Thirty Years of Meeting Science: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

Abstract

This review examines the development and evolution of meeting science over the past three decades. Drawing on diverse disciplinary foundations—including the organizational sciences, communication studies, and computer science—we provide a thematic discussion of meetings research. We organize the body of literature into five key areas of inquiry: (a) meetings as stressors and affective inducing events; (b) meetings as a communication technology that drives performance; (c) meetings as a platform for employee voice, participation, and inclusion; (d) meetings as a stage for leadership and power dynamics; and (e) meetings as an expression of culture and identity. We present illustrative findings from each research stream and conclude by outlining a research agenda that addresses how to build upon what we know around meetings as well as new frontiers.