What is the purpose of meeting minutes?

The purpose of meeting minutes is to document the decisions and discussions that occurred during a meeting. This written record serves several important functions.

Firstly, it ensures that all members, both present and absent, have a clear understanding of what was discussed and decided upon. This becomes invaluable for maintaining continuity in the organization's work and for accountability, as it allows members to refer back to specific discussions and resolutions made during the meeting.

Secondly, documented minutes can serve as an official record that may be required for legal or organizational purposes. They can provide evidence of the deliberative process and decisions taken, helping to clarify any disputes or questions that might arise later.

Meeting minutes can also help in tracking the progress of ongoing projects, decisions that need to be followed up, and actions assigned to specific members. Thus, they play a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and operation within the organization.