The study examined the procedures for holding meetings at Zimbabwe Newspapers Limited (Zimpapers), the largest government-owned newspaper publisher in Zimbabwe. More specifically, the study sought to investigate the effects of meeting design elements on how meetings are conducted at Zimpapers. Data for the study were collected using a combination of participant observation of twelve meetings held at Zimpapers over a period of two months and open- ended interviews with selected staffers at Zimpapers. The conceptual framework of this study is built on the supposition that the link between effective design elements and meeting management is the key to effective meetings. Findings of the study revealed that Zimpapers places a high priority on providing agendas to meeting participants in advance, adhering to the agenda while the meeting is being held, starting on time, making clear meeting timelines, and providing participants with meeting minutes after the meeting. This study also revealed several meeting design elements that need attention, such as the requirement to schedule meetings when the majority of meeting attendees would be available for the meetings. From the observable shortcomings in the way meetings are conducted in Zimpapers, the study suggested two recommendations to make meetings more effective. First, the conclusion of every meeting should provide concrete actions with attainable deadlines. A vague call to action should not be used to conclude a meeting. Instead, attendees should first specify the intended outcome before deciding what activities must be taken to achieve it. The meeting should assign who will be in charge of carrying out each activity, specify the resources required, and establish reasonable timelines. Next, meeting attendees should decide who will be responsible for ensuring that everything stays on course. Third, the study suggests that conversations during meetings should center on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and outcomes. Meetings should assess the status of the goals, the accomplishments, the additional steps needed, and the potential alternatives. All these elements are very critical because meetings are only productive when they lead to results.

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