What is the responsibility of the chair during a meeting?

The chair's primary responsibility during a meeting is to ensure that the meeting follows the predetermined agenda and adheres to the established rules of order, such as Robert’s Rules of Order. This role is vital because it helps maintain order, structure, and efficiency within the meeting, allowing all members to participate effectively and ensuring that all agenda items are addressed systematically.

By facilitating the meeting according to the agenda, the chair not only helps keep discussions relevant and timely but also ensures that the rights of all members are protected and that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. Effective chairing can greatly influence the productivity and outcome of the meeting.

The other roles or responsibilities mentioned in the options, such as making decisions for the organization, taking minutes, or representing the organization externally, while important in their own contexts, do not encompass the chair’s primary function. The chair must guide and moderate the meeting rather than dominate the decision-making process, take detailed notes, or engage in external representation, which falls under different responsibilities within the organization.