I need help with the following question:
What information might go into routine operational reports for different kinds of organizations? Explain why an organization or an organization that you work for would need this information regularly?
References: Organizational Communications/Business Communication by:
(Lesikar, R. V., Flatley, M.E., & Rentz, K. (2008). Business communication: Making connections in a digital world (11th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Class Notes: Page 340-345
Among the varieties of short reports, five types stand out.
? Routine operational reports keep others informed about company operations.
o Their form and content will vary, depending on the organization.
o They should deliver the required information efficiently, clearly, and on time.
o Special word-processing features can assist you with standardized reports.
? Progress reports review progress on an activity.
o Most are informal and in narrative form, but some are formal.
o They should emphasize the positive.
? Problem-solving reports help decision makers choose a course of action.
o They can be internal or external.
o You will need to decide whether or not to make recommendations.
o You will need to decide whether or not to take a direct or indirect approach.
o Though not persuasive per se, these reports do need to convince with their good data and analysis.
? Audit reports hold organizations accountable to certain standards.
o The most common type is the financial audit prepared by an accounting firm.
o Short financial audits follow a standard format.
o Longer audit reports vary in form and content.
o The Sarbanes-Oxley Act has increase the need for audit reports.
o Meeting minutes, a type of descriptive report, provide a written record of a group?s activities and decisions.
o Most are distributed by memo or email, but their layout varies.
o Typical minutes include common preliminary, body, and closing items.
o Minutes have political implications. Use good judgment when preparing them.