With close to a billion meetings held daily and managers spending most of their time in them, the study of meetings has grown from a niche into a recognized field. Organizational psychologists now analyze surveys and recorded sessions to understand what makes gatherings effective. A 2026 review coauthored by Liana Kreamer of the Florida Institute of Technology highlights meetings as a fundamental way people organize and interact.
One consistent finding is that leaders tend to talk the most, which often leads them to rate meetings positively. But research by Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock of the University of Hamburg shows that respectful, attentive inquiry from leaders improves team performance, while asking questions without really listening does not. Active listening, including thoughtful feedback, is crucial, especially in virtual meetings where muting can kill engagement.
Other evidence-based practices include allowing time for informal conversation before the official agenda, which helps quieter participants warm up and contribute more. Kreamer also recommends silent brainstorming, where all attendees write ideas simultaneously in a shared document, as a more effective way to gather input than traditional open discussion. These findings suggest that small changes in meeting structure and leader behavior can make gatherings more productive and inclusive.