A minute is a written record of what happened at a meeting, while a resolution is a record of any decisions made during that meeting.
Understanding Minutes
Minutes serve as the official historical record of a meeting. They capture key aspects such as:
- Attendees present
- Topics discussed
- Summaries of conversations
- Reports given
According to the provided reference, a minute is a written record of what has happened at a meeting. Think of minutes as a narrative summary of the meeting's proceedings.
Understanding Resolutions
Resolutions, on the other hand, are the formal outcome of the meeting's discussions and decisions. They document:
- Specific proposals or motions
- The decision reached on each motion (e.g., approved, rejected)
- Often, who voted for or against
As the reference states, a resolution is a record of any decisions made at the meeting. Resolutions are the actionable items agreed upon.
The Relationship Between Minutes and Resolutions
Minutes provide the context and background for the decisions made. Resolutions are typically embedded within the minutes of a meeting. The reference highlights this connection by stating, "Even a sole director must record their resolutions within a minute and sign the document." This means that while minutes document everything that occurred, resolutions specifically document the formal decisions within that broader record.
Therefore, minutes cover the 'what happened' and 'what was discussed', while resolutions focus specifically on the 'what was decided'.
Key Differences Summarized
Here is a simple comparison:
Feature | Minute | Resolution |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Record what happened (discussions, etc.) | Record formal decisions |
Content | Discussions, reports, general proceedings | Specific motions, votes, outcomes |
Scope | Broad record of the meeting | Specific record of a decision/action taken |
Relation | Contains or includes resolutions | Is a specific part of the minute |
In essence, resolutions are a critical component of the minutes when decisions are made. The minutes provide the full picture, while resolutions extract the key decisions.