Effectiveness of virtual meetings in the workplace

Abstract

The primary concern addressed in this thesis dealt with the inefficiencies in virtual meetings, recognizing that a substantial portion of employees' time is allocated to this form of work. The objective of the thesis was to assess various factors impacting the efficiency of virtual meetings. These factors encompass meeting purpose and objectives, agenda formulation and structure, alignment of ownership and roles in meetings, management of meeting outcomes, and the utilization of meeting technology and tools.

This thesis draws insights from existing academic work as well empirical research within the selected case organization.

A comparative analysis between theoretical propositions and empirical findings reveals strengths and best practices across several areas including meeting purpose and objectives, managing meeting outcomes, and leveraging technology. Nevertheless, gaps can be found in agenda design, clarity of roles and responsibilities, resulting in high meeting volumes.

The thesis concludes in a series of actionable recommendations tailored for the case organization, including both immediate and long-term initiatives. These include cultural implementation of meeting roles into all meetings as well as long term investments into AI to assist with meeting administration tasks.