TYPES OF REPORTS

Definition:

Reports are designed to convey and record information that will be of practical use to the
reader. It is organized into discrete units of specific and highly visible information

Types of Reports:

Informational
Inform or instruct present information
Reader sees the details of events, activities or conditions.
No analysis of the situation, no conclusion, no recommendations.

Analytical
Written to solve problems
Information is analyzed.
Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made

Persuasive
An extension of analytical reports: main focus is to sell an idea, a service, or
product.
Proposals are the most common type.

Difference between Reports and Correspondence
Reports usually have a more diverse audience, more than one purpose and more
detailed information.

Typical Business Reports

Report Purpose
Periodic Operating Reports To monitor and control production, sales, shipping,
service, etc.
Situational Report To describe one-time events, such as trips,
conferences, and seminars.
Investigative/Informational To examine problems and supply facts with little
analysis.
Compliance To respond to government agencies and laws.
Justification/Recommendation To make recommendations to management and
become tools to solve problems and make decisions.
Yardstick To establish criteria and evaluate alternatives by
measuring against the yardstick criteria.
Feasibility To analyze problems and predict whether alternatives
will be practical or advisable.
Research Studies To study problems scientifically by analyzing a
problem, developing hypotheses, collecting data,
analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Proposals To offer to solve problems, investigate ideas, or sell
products and services.