Types of meetings

In an organisational setting, three types of meetings occur most frequently are: information sharing, decision making, and problem solving that can be instruments of productivity. However, other types of meetings exist to create and define culture and bolster interrelationships: socialising, brain storming, and training. Understanding the purpose of these different types of meetings and their complimentary powers enhances productivity and effectiveness.

Decision-making meetings are common place because organisations need to decide strategies, budgets, resource allocation, and project directions. But without involving the right stakeholders and the meeting concluding with a objective decision. It can slow down an organisation's agility, operational output, customers, and .

Decisions are often a result of a problem, event, or necessary change but before anything can be decided upon a solution is needed. Problem-solving meetings are held to identify issues, discuss potential solutions, and develop action plans to overcome obstacles and achieve desired outcomes.

Before decisions can be made, information about the context of a decision, teams and departments updated on company news, project progress, changes in policies, and other critical information to be shared with relevant stakeholders. Information sharing as the context for a meeting sets the context for an event, a problem, or a decision and aligning stakeholders.

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Socialising, brain storming, and training are other types of meetings that create culture, develop interpersonal relationships, and foster creativity shaping organisational culture.

Team-building events, informal gatherings, and celebrations, are vital for fostering a sense of community, building relationships, and creating engagement. Social meetings help create a positive work environment, strengthen bonds between team members, and reinforce shared values.

Open and constructive conversations about problems, events, or solutions by brain storming create culture where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas. This type of meeting promotes a culture of continuous improvement and collective problem-solving.

Developing skills, aligning employees with organisational values and goals, and promoting a culture of learning and growth is a function of training.

Using the type in the goal or objective of a meeting, e.g. decisions or brain storming, outlined in the agenda is a way to anchor and therefore inform attendees about preparing the meeting.