Final answer:
Deciding if a meeting should begin only when all participants have arrived depends on the context and the meeting's purpose. In general, starting on time respects punctual attendees, yet in critical policy discussions, waiting for all can lead to more balanced decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether meetings should begin only when all participants have arrived is a question that can depend on the context of the meeting and the norms of the organization. Generally, it is advisable for meetings to start close to the scheduled time to respect the time of those who have arrived on time. However, in settings where the contributions of all participants are critical for the decision-making process, it might be essential to wait for all to arrive. This ensures that all voices are heard, which can lead to a decision that is more closely tailored to the preferences of the entire group. This is particularly important in deliberative assemblies or when policy discussions are taking place, as these meetings tend to move slowly, and each voice can be pivotal in reaching a consensus.