What is the primary purpose of meeting minutes?

• A. To record decisions, actions, and responsibilities with deadlines.
• B. To entertain attendees with anecdotes.
• C. To replace the agenda.
• D. To delay decision making.

Answer: (A)

Meeting minutes serve as the official record of a meeting, detailing what was decided, who is responsible for each action, and the deadlines for those actions. This creates accountability, provides a clear basis for follow-up, and offers a reference for anyone who couldn’t attend. The other choices miss the purpose: minutes aren’t meant to entertain with anecdotes, they don’t replace the agenda, and they shouldn’t slow down or delay decisions.