What Is a Business Report and How to Write It?
A business report is a means of internal communication in companies. This type of documentation is used to convey relevant information, results of research, new ideas, statistical data, and many other things. Small companies don’t need business reports, but big companies have no other efficient means of communication. Can you imagine several departments or branches of a company discussing development strategy, for example? Obviously, they need a written source of information.
A business report is a document that helps to analyze a company’s performance, make decisions, manage resources, etc. Employees write business reports for upper management. Based on facts and data, upper management makes decisions (to create a new product, lay off staff, etc.). Upper management writes business reports to inform employees about the course development.
Business report components:
- Title page. Title, author(s), submission date, etc.
- Table of Contents (TOC). Report structure.
- Abstract. A short report overview.
- Introduction. Describes the objectives of the report, main points, structure, etc.
- Body. The main part of the report. May contains several sections.
- Conclusion. Summary of the main points of the report. Answers to the questions raised at the beginning of the report.
- Recommendations. Author’s suggestions.
- References. Sources used in the report.
- Appendices. Background information.
Types of business report
- Informational report. This type of report includes collecting objective information and facts. It doesn’t explain things.
- Analytical report. Includes not only facts but also analyses. This type of business report is meant to help in decision-making.
- Research report. Is used when a team is trying to move in a totally new direction. They collect relevant data, best practices, and statistics to figure out how to do it successfully.
- Explanatory report. Is used when you need to explain something so that everyone can understand that.
- Progress report. This type of report shows the audience the current situation, the process of development, how things are going.
- Problem-solving report. Offers ways of solving a problem and avoiding it in the future.
- Formal/informal reports. Formal reports are written in a particular format; as a rule, they are written for official purposes. Informal reports are written when it is possible not to use specific formats.
- Annual report. Is the analysis of all activities and processes in a company that took place this year.
Tips for writing a business report:
- Figure out the purpose of your report. Do you want to show important data, share information, or solve a problem? That matters a lot. The purpose defines the structure of your report.
- Pay attention to facts. They make your report reliable.
- Use tables, diagrams, screenshots, and other visuals to support your report. They work well.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Follow your company’s style guide. Your audience expects you to use a particular format, font, colors, etc.
A business report is a must-have in any big company. It may influence the way a company is developing. That is why it is especially important to choose data carefully and convey trustworthy information.
Stay safe and create awesome technical documentation! Good luck!
