Explain what an informational report is. Then list and describe three categories of informational reports, and give an original example of each

Answer 1

Informational Reports: Informational reports often describe periodic, recurring activities (such as monthly sales or weekly customer calls), as well as situational, nonrecurring events (such as trips, conferences, and progress on special projects). Short informational reports may also include summaries of longer publications. What all these reports have in common is delivering information to readers who do not have to be persuaded. Informational report readers usually are neutral or receptive. Because these reports generally deliver nonsensitive data and, thus, will not upset the reader, they are organized directly. Often they need little background material or introductory comments because readers are familiar with the topics.

Summaries: A summary compresses the main points from a book, report, article, website, meeting, or convention. A summary saves time by reducing a report or article by 85 to 95 percent.

Example: Jacob's professor has asked him to write a summary of a chapter in his financial management book.

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Periodic/Activity Reports: These recurring reports are written at regular intervals?weekly, monthly, yearly?to allow management to monitor and, if necessary, to remedy business strategies. They usually summarize regular activities and events performed during the reporting period, describe irregular events deserving the attention of management, or highlight special needs and problems.

Example: Each month Natalia, a human resources specialist for a large university, submits to her supervisor a report describing the number of applications received, number of interviews conducted, number of references checked, and number of offers made and accepted.

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Trip, Convention, and Conference Reports: Employees sent on business trips or to conventions and conferences typically must submit reports when they return. Organizations want to know that their money was well spent in funding the travel. These reports inform management about new procedures, equipment, and laws and supply information affecting products, operations, and services.

Example: Nick attended a trade show to get an idea of what his company's competitors are doing. He outlined his findings and observations in a report to his supervisor.

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Progress and Interim Reports: Continuing projects often require progress or interim reports to describe their status. These reports may be external (advising customers regarding the headway of their projects) or internal (informing management of the status of activities). These reports generally specify the purpose and nature of the project, provide background information, describe the work completed, explain the work currently in progress, anticipate problems and possible remedies, and discuss future activities.

Example: Lindsay is chairing a task force studying ways to increase traffic on her company's website. At the end of each week, she submits a progress report to her boss to show the task force's progress.

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Investigative Reports: Investigative or informational reports deliver data for a specific situation?without offering interpretations or recommendations. These nonrecurring reports are generally arranged in a direct pattern with three segments: introduction, body, and summary.
Example: Charlie studied traffic patterns in front of his coffee shop for a one-week period. He will report his findings to the shop owner in an investigative report.