The Effectiveness of Communication at Meetings: A Case Study

Meetings occupy over 30 per cent of the time of an executive and existing training in meeting behaviour was not considered to be effective. Methods used to analyse communication at meetings are described. A group of observers has been trained to assist chairmen in improving the usefulness of their meetings. Reductions of 20 per cent in the number of meetings and of 30 per cent in their duration have been achieved. Standard practices for meetings have been established. Training should be given to coherent groups in the organization rather than to individuals if changes in behaviour patterns are desired.