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There should be some kind of tool that tracks how much of people's time each department uses, simple (attendees from other departments) * (hours), and then each quarter the departments have to justify their use of resources and the goal should be to reduce that number. Wonder what effect that would have on company culture.

That could quite easily backfire, with different departments forming silos as they avoid inviting members of other departments to meetings.

This is what it is like to work in defense. Having charge numbers for projects does not reduce meetings.

How about the cost being that the organizer needs to do more planning; have them fill in a standard form, clearly illustrating the purpose of the meeting, an agenda, and a timeline. And someone actually leading the meeting. I think a big issue is that meetings are too informal and on a whim.

If they cannot produce that, they cannot plan a meeting.

Of course, before that they need to ascertain whether it could just be an email or a quick question to someone.

“I’m continuously amazed by how many people have to ask permission to buy a $50 book, yet are empowered to call a meeting that costs tens of thousands of dollars.” — @QuinnyPig