What does the term "quorum" refer to in a meeting?

The term "quorum" refers to the minimum number of members required to be present in order for a meeting to conduct its business legally and effectively. This concept is crucial in organizational governance because it ensures that decisions and votes are made with adequate representation and participation from the members, thereby reflecting a collective agreement rather than the opinion of a few individuals. If a quorum is not met, any decisions made may be deemed invalid, which underscores the importance of this requirement in maintaining the integrity of organizational procedures.

Other terms mentioned, such as the total members in the organization or the number of members that voted on a motion, do not pertain to the concept of a quorum. Similarly, the highest number of votes received for a motion deals with the outcome of a vote rather than the necessary presence of members to hold a valid meeting. Thus, understanding quorum is essential for effective participation and decision-making within any formal assembly or organization.