Reports that analyze data, draw conclusions, and typically try to persuade the reader to accept the conclusions and act on the recommendations.

Varying greatly in length, content, form, and formality level, they all have one or more of the following purposes: to convey information, answer questions, and solve problems.

Also referred to as trip reports, they often inform management about business trends, new procedures, innovative equipment, legal requirements, or other information that would affect their products, operations, and service.

A condensed version of a long report, proposal, or business plan, concentrating on what management needs to know from a longer report.

Examines the practicality and advisability of following a course of action.

Characterized by objectivity, authority, and impartiality, it is appropriate for proposals and long research reports.

One- or two-word labels that show the outline of a report but provide little insight about the contents.

Visual representations of data or information.

Characterized by a friendly tone, first-person pronouns, and shorter sentences, it is often used to send short internal business reports to familiar audiences on noncontroversial topics.

Present data without analysis or recommendations.