If you are listed in the "cc" field of an email, what is generally expected of you?

When you are included in the "cc" (carbon copy) field of an email, it signifies that the sender wants to keep you informed about the message but does not expect you to take action or respond. This practice is commonly used in professional communication to ensure transparency and inform relevant parties without placing the burden of a reply or action on them. Therefore, the expectation is that you are receiving the information for your awareness rather than for direct involvement in the conversation.

In contrast, being in the "to" field typically indicates that the recipient is expected to engage with the email's content, whether that means replying, taking action, or addressing certain points raised in the message. The "cc" field, while keeping people in the loop, communicates that their primary role is as an observer rather than a participant.