The Conference Paradox: Progress or Pleasure?

<jats:p> The conference is looked upon as a nearly magical device for problem-solving, decision-making, strengthening intra-organizational communication, and building morale. These intended functions place a heavy burden on the conference leader and bring about a dichotomy in the conference between progress towards a goal and total member participation in discussion. This dichotomy can only be eliminated if a more realistic view of the conference is taken, a view which takes into account the impossibility of the conference fulfilling all of the functions which it is now expected to fulfill. </jats:p>