Reports by Type

Reports are written for specific audiences and purposes. Report types can be broadly categorized as Formal Reports, Semi-formal Reports, and Informal Reports (often called routine reports or routine correspondence).

No matter the type of report, the direct approach is used when the reader(s)

• anticipates receiving such information since it relates to on-going or repeated workplace contexts,
• will be interested in the content, or
• will not have to be persuaded about the content.

Reports by Function

Reports can additionally be categorized according to function, that is what they do. Two categories include Informational and Analytical Reports.

Informational reports provide content with analysis or recommendations. Their purpose is to relay information to other stakeholders. Examples of such reports include accident reports, procedural reports, or job progress reports.

Analytical reports provide facts in the form of examples, data, case studies, primary or secondary research, and so on. The facts are interpreted, synthesized, and analyzed. Analytical reports include recommendations.

Reports’ Organizational Structure and Required Parts

Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal reports that employ the direct approach all follow similar organization patterns. All include iterations of and expand on, as required by the report’s audience and purpose, the following parts:

• Main point
• Details
• Close