What is a primary role of the chair during a meeting?

A primary role of the chair during a meeting is to remain neutral and facilitate discussion. This means that the chair should guide the meeting effectively, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to speak and contribute their ideas. By maintaining neutrality, the chair helps to create an environment where all members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives without fear of bias or favoritism.

Facilitating discussion involves managing the flow of the meeting, keeping track of time, and ensuring that the agenda is followed. This role is crucial because a well-run meeting encourages participation and helps achieve the group’s objectives. The chair does not participate in the debate as a member but rather oversees the process to ensure that it is orderly and productive.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not capture the essence of the chair's role. Dominating the debate contradicts the purpose of effective leadership in a meeting, and deciding on the final outcome of motions is typically not within the chair's unilateral power. Instead, the chair facilitates the voting process, ensuring that the outcome reflects the collective decision of the members. While clearing up issues among members might be part of the chair's responsibilities, the primary focus remains on facilitating discussion and ensuring an inclusive and democratic process.