Report writing: its types and meaning
Administrative and managerial activities in the modern world are growing in a complex environment. Organizations need accurate and up-to-date information in order to formulate their future course of action. Policy formation is neither possible nor feasible in the absence of information; And to meet this goal, senior executives and policy makers require the latest information to devise appropriate strategies to improve organizational performance. An efficient and highly professional management has a habit of obtaining reports on a regular basis. Therefore, it can be stated that the report is an integral part of the MIS (Management Information System).
A report is an unbiased, objective, and straightforward presentation of facts to one or more recipients to meet a predetermined business objective. It is a presentation of facts and circumstances that are drawn from investigation, inspection, experience, investigation, survey, interview, and similar functions. Presenting reality is the password here.
Report types
In general terms, we can classify the reports into three categories:
Regular reports
These are prepared by the establishments on a daily, weekly, quarterly, monthly, biannual or annual basis to present information on sales, income, credit, status or performance of the company.
Special purpose reports
Also known as formal reports, they are written to describe or explain a program, event, or research.
News reports
These are generally written on matters of public interest, events and happenings, etc. News reports can be classified into two general types, Direct News Report and Investigative Report. The first is the systematic representation of what has happened, in a simple and factual way. The report does not draw any conclusions or offer any opinion on the matter. The latter is an in-depth report. Discuss every minute of the details of the topic and reflects investigative journalism.
Importance of the report
In the modern business scenario, reports play an important role in the progress of business. Reports are the backbone of the establishment’s thought process and are largely responsible for the evolution of an efficient or inefficient work environment. The importance of reports includes:
The reports present adequate information on various aspects of the business.
All the skills and knowledge of professionals are communicated through reports.
Reports help the top line in decision making.
A true and balanced report also helps solve problems.
Reports communicate planning, policies and other matters related to an organization to the masses.
News reports play the role of ombudsman and impose checks and balances on the establishment.