What is defined as the minimum number of people required to conduct official business in a meeting?

The term that refers to the minimum number of members required to be present in order to conduct official business during a meeting is "quorum." This concept is critical in organizational governance since it ensures that decisions made are representative of the whole group rather than a small, possibly unrepresentative subset.

In many organizations, bylaws will specify what constitutes a quorum, which can vary depending on the specific rules set forth by that organization. Having a quorum is essential for legitimizing actions taken during meetings, ensuring that decisions have the backing of a significant portion of the membership. Without a quorum, a meeting cannot officially proceed with its agenda or take binding votes.

The other terms mentioned do not fit this specific definition: "majority" pertains to more than half of those present or voting, "consensus" refers to a general agreement among group members, and "formality" relates to the procedures or rules governing meetings rather than the number of people required to hold a meeting.