What is Agenda? Characteristics of Agenda

Agenda means things to be done. It is usually sent along with the notice of the meeting. It is a list of the topics to be discussed in a meeting.

Sometimes the agenda is prepared after the circulation of the notice in order to include the member’s opinion. If the subject matter of the meeting is secret, the agenda may not be circulated. Some definitions of agenda are as follows:

According to Rajendra pal and Korlahalli, “Agenda is document that outlines the contents of a forth coming meeting.”

So, agenda is an items or issues prepared by the secretary and which are to be discussed or transacted in a forthcoming mitten.

Features or characteristics of agenda

The features of agenda can be stated as follows:

1. Generally, agenda is sent along with the notice of the meeting.
2. It is written at the end but before or after the signature of the convener of the meeting.
3. It is arranged according to the importance of the end.
4. Controversial topics should be written at the end.
5. The topics are determined by the secretary with consulting the higher authority or the convener of the meeting.
6. It is written in brief but explicit manner.

Importance or necessities of agenda

Agenda is the explicit topics to be discussed in a meeting the members. No one can ignore the importance of an agenda. The necessity or importance’s of an agenda are as follows:

1. As it is circulated in advance, the members of the committee or meeting can take preparation to discuss the topics accurately.
2. It helps to take a prompt decision.
3. Since it has a set of order, it helps the chairperson to conduct the meeting smoothly.
4. It can ensure covering all the topics that will be discussed in a meeting.
5. It helps to control the unnecessary talking in the meeting.
6. It helps to write the minutes and resolution of the meeting.
7. As it is served earlier, the members of the meeting can exchange their thought and ideas informally before holding the meeting.