One problem often associated with meetings is that the members aren’t clear about process and content and the difference between them. What is the difference between the two?

Content

This includes the subjects for discussion, the task or problem being solved, the decisions made, the agenda items, and the goals. These cannot be changed. We have discussed these items in detail already.

Process

Process refers to the methods and procedures used, how group relations are maintained, the facilitation tools being used, the rules or norms set, the group dynamics, and the climate.

You can see that these are much more difficult to pin down. You as the chairperson or facilitator can do much to influence the climate in the room, but just as with group dynamics, the members of the group contribute as well.