What are minutes in the context of a meeting?

In the context of a meeting, minutes serve as a summary of discussions and decisions made during that meeting. They are a crucial documentation tool that captures the essence of what occurred, including key points raised by participants, resolutions passed, and action items assigned to specific individuals.

Minutes provide a formal record that can be referred back to for clarification on decisions or for tracking progress on tasks. They help ensure accountability and continuity, especially in organizations where ongoing projects may span multiple meetings. By having a clear summary of what was discussed and decided, participants can stay informed and aligned on objectives, even if they were not present at the meeting.

Other options, while related to meeting procedures, do not fully encapsulate the primary purpose of minutes. For instance, a formal invitation is important for attendance but does not capture the meeting's substance. A list of topics for future meetings is more about planning and does not reflect past actions or decisions. Lastly, a record of attendees and their roles is important for understanding who was involved but does not provide the detailed outcomes of the discussions. Thus, the summary of discussions and decisions made during the meeting is what defines minutes.