Decision making meeting scaffolding: setting the stage for participative decision making in group meetings

Joseph A. Allen, Michael J. Campbell and Matthew S. Thiese

Chapter 7 in Research Handbook on Group Decision Making, 2026, pp 124-137 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Meetings are central forums where individuals, teams, and organizations align, collaborate, and make critical decisions. This chapter examines how structured preparation and intentional practices enhance decision quality in workplace meetings. Drawing on meeting science and bounded rationality theory, we argue that decision making effectiveness depends not only on in-meeting behaviors but also on tasks performed before the meeting begins. We outline leaders’ responsibilities—including agenda setting, careful attendee selection, information sharing, and environment preparation—and attendees’ responsibilities such as reviewing agendas, gathering data, clarifying roles, and preparing contributions. These actions create conditions for efficient, focused, and collaborative decision making, mitigating challenges such as decision fatigue and the meeting load paradox. We also propose testable propositions to guide future research on pre-meeting preparation and decision quality. Ultimately, the chapter highlights how structured preparation transforms meetings from routine gatherings into strategic events that foster engagement, cohesion, and organizational effectiveness.

Keywords: Meetings; Decision making; Before meeting tasks; Meeting leader; Meeting attendee; Agenda usage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035331239
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