What is the main purpose of minutes in a meeting?

The main purpose of minutes in a meeting is to keep a record of decisions made. Minutes serve as an official record that documents what occurred during the meeting, including any conclusions reached, agreements made, and votes taken. This record is crucial for accountability and provides a reference for participants to ensure that the decisions discussed are acted upon and followed up in future meetings and activities. Documenting decisions also helps clarify responsibilities and timelines, contributing to better organization and management of tasks.

While summarizing discussion points can be part of what minutes feature, the primary function revolves around capturing decisions, which is essential for maintaining continuity and understanding in organizational processes. Evaluating member participation and serving as a guide for future meetings may relate to the content discussed, but they are secondary purposes compared to the critical need for a documented account of decisions made during the meeting.