Decision narrative & persuasion · Core
Action item
Also called: action point, action
ELI5
A named task someone must complete.
Used in conversation
“Every action item needs one accountable owner.”
Definition
A specific task assigned to an owner, usually with a due date.
Here “Action item” means: A specific task assigned to an owner, usually with a due date.
Pitch context
You will see “Action item” in business pitches, proposals, executive summaries and decision decks when the discussion reaches decision narrative & persuasion.
Why it matters: In decision narrative & persuasion, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 6
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — YC Startup Library — fundraising and pitching resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16