A board is defined as what kind of administrative body?

A board is considered an administrative body that can be either elected or appointed, which reflects the flexibility and diverse structures that organizations can adopt. This distinction is important because it accommodates various governance models. In some scenarios, members may be elected by peers or stakeholders to represent their interests, while in other cases, members may be appointed based on their expertise or qualifications to fulfill specific roles within the organization.

This definition captures the essence of how boards function across different organizations, such as non-profits, corporations, and governmental entities, where the method of selection can influence the dynamic, accountability, and control within the board. The roles and responsibilities of board members, irrespective of how they are selected, typically center around policy-making, strategic planning, and oversight of operations.

The other options imply a more restrictive or narrow understanding of what constitutes a board. For instance, stating that a board is "always elected" overlooks the valid ways boards can form through appointments based on criteria such as skills or experience. Similarly, identifying a board as "voluntary and informal" does not capture the formal structures and responsibilities that boards typically uphold. Finally, the notion that a board is "only appointed" ignores the equally legitimate processes that allow for elected membership, thereby providing a less complete picture