Minutes of Meeting Example, Elements, Types and Importance

Minutes of Meeting Example, Sample, Elements, Types & Advantages or  Importance of Meeting Minutes.

Minutes of Meeting

Meeting Minute is a written record of the meeting's activities conducted by the company, organization, and a group of people. It is also known as the meeting notes.  Meeting minutes take note of whatever happened during a meeting. Additionally, It keeps a record of decisions taken from the discussion. Furthermore, the employee can revisit the important issue discussed in the conference. Finally, the purpose of minutes is to take notes elaborately during meeting time regarding attendance, discussion, who is responsible for which task, how to solve the problems, vision, mission, and so more. Therefore, taking minutes of meetings with specific notes is an essential part of every formal meeting discussion.

Minutes of Meeting Types

The two types of minute meetings are Physical meeting minutes or minutes of meeting and Online meeting minutes. Physical meeting minutes include the location and venue of the meeting where it is held. On the other hand, virtual meeting minutes include virtual meeting platforms, such as Google Meet, Zoom Meeting,  Microsoft Teams, and more. The physical meeting minutes are also known as minutes.

Minutes of Meeting Example

Meeting Minutes Template, Sample, and Format
Meeting Minutes Template and Sample

On the other hand, Online meeting minutes include the online meeting platforms in which the meeting has been conducted. Many organizations, educational institutes, and social worker groups are conducting online meetings due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The physical and virtual meeting minutes example has been discussed here for better understanding.

Elements of Meeting Minutes

The 12 elements of meeting minutes are- 1. Company or organization name, 2. Date, Time & Location, 3. Opening, 4. List of attendees and Absent, 5. Agenda, 6. Discussion, 7. Note, 8. Action Items, 9. Adjournment, 10. Submitted by, 11, approved by, also 12. Documents.

Minutes of the Meeting need specific components that make them more meaningful. It is also known as the feature of meeting minutes. The

1. Company or Organization Name

The company name is the essential element of meeting minutes. Every minute of the meeting needs to have an exact organization name at the top of the letter and add a logo if you have one.

2. Date, Time & Location- The precise date, time, and location are the prime components of minutes to express the profound meaning of discussion meetings.

3. Opening- For example, The regular weekly meeting of the Demigods Bullies group was called to order on 24 June 2024, 4:00 PM in room 202 in the Faculty of Modern Language and Communication.

4. List of attendees- For example, the members who participated in the meeting. List of absent- For example, the members who did not join the meeting discussion. It also updates and reminds members who are absent from the meeting.

5. Agenda- It seems like the main plan list of activities.

6. Discussion- This is similar to the agenda but a brief discussion of the main point of the agenda.

7. Note- Take a record of who will do which task later. The note here implies a list of people assigned specific tasks.

8. Action Items- (For example, how many decisions have been taken throughout the meeting discussion).

9. Adjournment- (Written evidence of when and how the meeting was dismissed).

10. Submitted by: It represents who writes the meeting minutes

11. Approved by: It describes the top management individual who accept and approve the meeting.

12. Documents- (For example, photo, word files, and pdf files)

In conclusion, you can add some extra elements if necessary, but they should be more specific and meaningful. Above all, these components of meeting minutes will make your minutes of meeting more significant.

Minutes of Meeting Elements
Elements of Minutes of Meeting
The 12 Elements of Minutes of Meeting

Minutes of Meeting Example

The following meeting minutes are designed by University students. The author wrote these minutes of meetings based on group meetings to complete an assignment. It was not a business meeting. However, it represents how to write business minutes.

Demigod Anti-Bullying Students Group
Minutes of Meeting
24 June 2024/ 4:00 PM

Opening
The regular weekly meeting of Demigods Bullies was called to order on 24 June 2024, 4:00 PM at, room 202, Faculty of Modern Language and Communication in University Putra Malaysia.

Attendees List
Kobiruzzaman
Joshua
Samuel

Absent List
MaXiaojie
Rania

Agenda
Capturing photos and Making video
Active on Social media
Planning for drama and talk show program.

Discussion

Firstly, we must create some photos and videos to view the negative impact of bullying and cyberbullying. These photos and videos will represent our activeness with diverse creativity.
In addition, all group members must emphasize social media activities such as uploading photos and videos regarding bullying and cyberbullying.
Finally, we must prepare ourselves enough to perform effectively for the final program at Dewan Za’ba. Every group member will rehearse according to the script.

Notes
Kobiruzzaman will be responsible for booking the Dewan Za’ba hall room for our final program by next week.
Additionally, Joshua will print out all posters with proposals.
Samuel and Jiven will go to the departmental office to take signatures to approve these posters to hang on boards.

Action Items
Dividing group members' duties for the social campaign based on the negative impact of bullying and cyberbullying will be held on 29 November 2019.
Finalized the dress code, food, and also beverages for the program.
The member has approved the program budget; therefore, everyone must deposit payment before the due date.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6 PM by the anonymous decision of group members. Hence, the group leader declared the adjournment loudly.

Next Meeting
According to today's meeting decision, our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 5th November 2019, at 3 pm in the same venue.

Submitted by
The person who creates the meeting minutes. For example, M M Kobiruzzaman

Approved by
For example, the group leader's name.

Importance of Meeting Minutes

Firstly, the meeting minutes record the exact date, time, location, and meeting activities. It is one kind of formal evidence that narrates your whereabouts. Also, it keeps clear evidence of attendees who attended and didn't attend the meeting.

Further, it elaborates on the agenda and discussion topics, who will take responsibility, and how to solve the problem or achieve goals. Usually, group discussion doesn't have a long attention span. Also, members tend to be indulged in sidetracked. So, minutes help to divert from side-tracked and facilitate keeping on track.

Furthermore, minutes represent the list of action items, and adjourning time means when the meeting was dismissed. Typically, the action list indicates members' consciousness about performing respective duties on time properly.

Finally, the minutes of the meeting state information regarding upcoming schedules with specific times and dates and carry the names who submitted and approved them. It is an alarming directive for group members to prepare for a new meeting.

Tuckman's Theory of Communication Stages With Advantages and Disadvantages

Tuckman's Theory of Communication. Bruce Tuckman's Five Stages of Group Development are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.  Advantages and Disadvantages of Tuckman Theory PDF.

Tuckman's Theory of Communication

Tuckman's theory refers to the five stages of the group development model developed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965. It is also known as Tuckman's model, Tuckman's theory, Tuckman's ladder, five stages of group development theory, Tuckman's team development model, Tuckman's theory of communication, and Tuckman's stages.

Bruce Tuckman introduced his four stages of group development theory in 1965. However, in the 1970s, he added the fifth stage to his four stages of group development theory. In 1977, Tuckman and Mary Ann Jensen included the fifth and final stage in Tuckman's theory. The name of the fifth stage is Adjourning, which represents the happiness of achieving the interdependent group goal by the group members. So, it became known as Tuckman and Jensen's theory after adding the fifth stage.

Tuckman's Stages of Group Development

Tuckman's five stages of group development are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. It is one of the appropriate theories for explaining the behavior of group members with dynamic characteristics. Additionally, a perfect theory describes how group members adjust and adapt to a group gradually.

Tuckman's Theory of Communication Five Stages Framework
Bruce Tuckman's Theory of Communication

Five Stages of Tuckman's Theory

The five Stages of Bruce Tuckman's Theory in Communication are:

  1. Forming Stage
  2. Storming Stage
  3. Norming Stage
  4. Performing Stage
  5. Adjourning Stage
1. Forming Stage of Tuckman's Theory: (Orientation)

Forming is the first stage of Tuckman’s theory of communication, also known as the five stages of the group development model. Usually, members carefully explore both personal and group goals in this stage. They feel uncomfortable working with a group of strangers or unfamiliar colleagues trying to understand and test personal relationships. Member also orients itself to itself.

Group Develops in the Forming Stage: 

  • Ice-breaking” stage.
  • Group members are uncertain about their roles.
  • Mutual trust is low.
  • There is a good deal of holding back to see who is in charge.
  • Conflict is beneficial and leads to increased creativity.
Primary Tension

Firstly, group members feel social unease and stiffness accompanying the getting-acquainted stage in a new group. They become overly polite with one another. Additionally, members don’t interrupt one another. They often speak softly and avoid expressing strong opinions, also talk less, and provide little in the way of content.

How to Solve the Tension?

Firstly, the members should be positive and energetic so that other members build positive attitudes toward them. Secondly, smile and Laugh at others when interacting with them. Additionally, nodding in agreement and exhibiting enthusiasm is a useful non-verbal cue to hold effective interactions. Group members should also be patient and open-minded, knowing that the primary tension will decrease with time. Finally, Be prepared and informed before your first meeting to help the group focus on its task.

2. Storming Stage of Tuckman's Theory: (Power Struggle)

Storming is the second stage of Tuckman's theory of Group Development. Group members become argumentative also emotional. The most confident members begin to compete for both social acceptance and leadership. Many groups try to skip this stage to avoid competition and conflict is necessary to establish a climate in which members understand the value of disagreeing. The conflicts among group members are also known as noise in communication.

Group Develops in the Storming Stage:
  • Time of testing (Testing leader’s policies and assumptions and how they fit into the power structure).
  • Subgroups take shape
  • Subtle forms of rebellion occur
  • Conflict ⇒ cohesion dialectic.
  • Leadership ⇒ follower ship dialectic.
Secondary Tension in Tuckman’s Model

Firstly, frustrations and personality conflicts are experienced by group members as they compete for acceptance and achievement within a group. Members have gained enough confidence to become assertive and even aggressive as they pursue positions of power and influence. They gain a high level of energy and agitation. The group becomes noisier, more dynamic, and physically active in this stage of group development. Usually, members start to speak in louder voices, interrupting and overlapping one another so that two or three people may be speaking simultaneously. Members sit up straight, lean forward, or squirm in their seats. Finally, everyone is alert and listening intently.

How to Solve the Tension?

Making jokes is very important to avoid tension in the second stage of Tuckman's theory. They should work outside the group setting to discuss group members' difficulties and anxieties.

3. Norming Stage of Tuckman’s Theory (Cooperation)

Norming is the third stage of Tuckman’s 5 Stages of Group Development Theory. Members start learning to work as a cohesive team and be task-oriented. They start developing “rules of engagement.” However, they feel more comfortable with one another and are willing to disagree and express opinions – communication becomes open. Finally, a feeling of trust and clear goals emerge inside the group.

Group Develops in the Norming Stage:
  • Group more cohesive.
  • Less conflict with increasing team member interactions and interdependence of work tasks.
4. Performing Stage of Tuckman's Theory: (Synergy)

Performing is the fourth stage of Tuckman’s 5 Stages of Group Development theory. Members become fully engaged and eager to work at this stage. Members adjust and adapt to the situation and also start solving critical problems. Group identity, loyalty, and morale are generally high in this stage. However, disagreements occur, but members usually resolve them intelligently and amicably. Finally, Interaction patterns reflect virtually no tension; the members are cheerful, loud, boisterous, laughing and verbally backslapping each other”.

Group Develops in the Performing Stage:
  • Activity focused on problem-solving.
  • Work done without hampering others.
  • The climate of open communication and full engagement.
5. Adjourning Stage of Tuckman's Theory: (Closure)

Adjourning refers to the fifth stage of Tuckman’s 5 Group Development Theory. Members have usually achieved their common goal and may begin to disband. It also represents whether the group members will work together or form a new group. Finally, they are happy with their achievements but feel lost when the group dissolves.

  • Disband = confront relational issues (For example, how to retain friendships with other members).
Group Develops in the Adjourning Stage:
  • Work completed; group moves on to other activities.
  • Opportunity for leaders to emphasize valuable lessons.
Tuckman's Theory of Communication

Tuckman's theory of communication has significant theoretical and practical contributions to research. The Five Stages of Tuckman's Theory of Communication are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Although in 1965, Tuckman proposed a four-stage group development theory but later added the fifth stage called adjourning. Tuckman's theory assists group members in subduing the group barriers. It also helps to adjust them in the group gradually.  Therefore, it is known as a group facilitation theory. Tuckman's group development theory consists of five stages that facilitate group formation and development.

Tuckman identified both the advantages and disadvantages of group communication; therefore, he provided suggestions for reducing the barriers to group communication.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tuckman's Theory

The Tuckman model has both theoretical and practical advantages and disadvantages. Many researchers have identified the pros and cons of the Tuckman theory. It is also known as the strengths and limitations of the Tuckman model.

Advantages of Tuckman's Theory

1. Concise Framework for Understanding Group Dynamics: Tuckman's model provides a structured framework for understanding the natural stages of group development. It clarifies the specific stages of any group and team discussion; for instance, the five stages of group development are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Tuckman's theory helps to understand more about primary and secondary tension generated from group communication. It also recommends reducing the tensions among members and influencing group activities. It is essential to reduce the tension among the group because the tensions are obstacles to achieving the group goal. Additionally, the theory strengthens the relationship among group members and motivates them to be productive. Finally, the Tuckman group's developing theory shows the perfect and successful way of solving group uncertainty issues and gaining interdependent goals.

2. Predictive Capability: By recognizing the typical stages of group development outlined in the model, leaders can predict potential challenges and issues. This predictive capability enables proactive intervention to address conflicts, facilitate communication, and foster cohesion within the group.

3. Facilitates Team Building: Tuckman's model emphasizes the importance of communication, trust-building, and goal-setting in group development. It guides leaders to actively promote team-building activities and create an environment conducive to collaboration and goal achievement.

4. Enhanced Leadership Effectiveness: Understanding Tuckman's model allows leaders to adapt their leadership style to the group's needs at each stage of development. Effective leaders can provide support, direction, and empowerment as necessary, facilitating the group's progress toward maturity and productivity.

Disadvantages of Tuckman's Theory

1. Oversimplification: Critics argue that Tuckman's model oversimplifies the complexities of group dynamics. Real-world groups may not always linearly progress through the stages, and the model may overlook individual differences, cultural influences, and external factors that can impact group development.

2. Focus on Conflict: The emphasis on conflict in the Storming stage of Tuckman's model may reinforce negative stereotypes about group dynamics. While conflict can be a natural part of group development, an overemphasis on conflict may neglect the importance of relationship-building and collaboration in achieving group goals.

3. Limited Practical Application: In dynamic and rapidly changing environments, Tuckman's model may have limited practical application. Groups operating in fast-paced settings may not have the luxury of progressing through each stage sequentially and may need to adapt more quickly to changing circumstances.

4. Neglect of External Influences: Tuckman's model primarily focuses on internal group dynamics and may neglect external factors such as organizational culture, leadership style, and external pressures. Ignoring these influences may limit the model's applicability in diverse organizational contexts.

5. Difficult to Maintain: Tuckman's theory consists of five important stages that are difficult to maintain one by one. Group members need to follow different instructions to maintain effective communication and a good relationship with group members. Additionally, there is no instant solution to solve all conflicts in group communication, although it suggested some recommendations to reduce conflicts. Furthermore, Tuckman's model did not mention what would have happened if the storming stage did not end. Finally, Tuckman's model has failed to discuss why the group changes over time. These are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tuckman's Theory.

Conclusion

This article offers elaborate information about Tuckman's theory of group development. It explains the five stages of group development in social groups. The author suggests tricks to reduce group conflicts and noise in communication. Finally, this article mentions the advantages and disadvantages of Tuckman's theory. Thus, this content benefits students, researchers, instructors, researchers, group members, and leaders. It enables the group leader to regulate the team properly to achieve common goals.

Citation for this Article (APA 7th Edition)
Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2024). Tuckman Theory of Communication, Advantages, and Disadvantages. Educational Website For Online Learning. https://newsmoor.com/tuckmans-model-five-stages-of-group-and-team-development-theory/
Tuckman 1965 Reference Apa 7th Edition

Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin63(6), 384.