Types of Report Writing

Report writing is to prepare a formal document either for academic or professional purposes. Reports that are prepared academically can also be called performance reports. Some reports are made to find the solutions within an organization or convey any message to the entire team.

In this article, we are going to discuss different types of report writing and how to use such reports in different scenarios. So keep reading it.

Types of report writing

Here is a classification of different types of reports.

  1. Long Report
  2. Short Reports
  3. Vertical Reports
  4. Lateral Reports
  5. Periodic Reports
  6. Formal Reports
  7. Informal Reports
  8. Informational Reports
  9. Analytical reports
  10. Proposal Reports
  11. Functional Reports

Now we will talk about all types in detail.

Long Reports

Long Reports; as the name suggests are lengthy reports. A document contains usually more than ten pages. They are characterized as formal reports due to their length. They are used to share in-depth information.

Short Reports

A confusing classification determines a one-page note as a short Report. They are used to announce new results or events. A memo or a simple message to inform staff of upcoming changes can include in a short report. This report is included in informal reports.

Vertical Reports

Vertical reports; are usually communicational information among the management and employees based on hierarchy. Reports either more upward or downward are referred to as vertical reports.

Lateral Reports

Lateral reports; on the other hand, focus on coordination within different departments in an organization. It is used to transfer data so that the entire team can meet the same decision.

Periodic Reports

Periodic reports; as the name suggests are issued on a regular schedule. They are upward directed so you can consider them as the vertical report also.

They are used in service management to keep the activities in control. If you are asked to create a periodic report, talk with your manager for a pre-schedule structure. For the next time, you will only need to fill in recent data.

Formal Reports

Formal reports are written in detailed structure, a style that excludes all elements as personal pronouns. They provide information to educate, inform and convince. They include many sections as; table of contents or summaries. Formal reports often have long nature.

Informal Reports

Informal reports; on the other hand, are short messages, such as memorandum. In these reports, casual language is used. The current information on internal matters includes informal reports.

Informational Reports

Informational Reports are the annual reports, monthly payments, and attendance reports that transfer information from one sector to another.

Analytic Reports

Analytic reports are business documents that provide you a clear understanding of what is happening within your organization. Analytic reports include scientific research, feasibility reports, and real estate appraisals.

Proposal Reports

Proposal Reports are also called problem-solving reports. When an organization or a company faces any type of problem, a report is made to find the solution and solve the problem. The proposal Reports include the project overview, solution, and results. They are used to explain and implement the strategies.

Government agencies issue requests for proposals (RFP) to advertise their needs. The potential suppliers make proposal reports in which they tell that how to meet that needs.

Functional Reports

Functional reports include accounting reports, fiscal reports, and marketing reports. We can also include other reports in functional reports as these reports provide functions specifically.

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