How to Write a Business Report Sample Report Types
Recommendation Report
Investigative Report
Compliance Report
Feasibility Report
Research/Study Report
Periodic Report
Situation Report SITREP
Yardstick Report
When it comes to business report writing, there are several key steps that you should keep in mind.
First, be as clear and concise as possible. This means avoiding overly complicated or technical language and sticking to the facts of your report.
Additionally, you should try to structure your report logically, making it easy for the reader to follow your arguments and draw their own conclusions.
Finally, be thorough and detail-oriented when writing a business report. This means taking the time to carefully research all relevant background information and including any findings or data that contribute to your overall argument.
When done correctly, business report writing communicates business ideas and strategies to colleagues and business partners.
What is a formal business report?
A business report is a formal document that conveys important business information to stakeholders, clients, or decision-makers.
As such, business report writing requires a clear and concise writing style that conveys complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
Typically, business reports contain an executive summary at the beginning of the document, followed by a detailed analysis of different business aspects. For example, its operations, financial health, competitive landscape, etc.
While business reports are commonly used in commercial settings, they may also be relevant for other organizations such as governments and non-profit groups.
Regardless of their intended audience or topic area, business reports are vital for effective business communication and decision-making.
There are different types of report writing:
Recommendation report
Business reports come in all shapes and sizes, but one type of business report is the recommendation report. This type of business report is designed to provide recommendations to a business or individual.
A recommendation report is typically based on research and data, and it sets forth a proposed course of action. A recommendation report can be used in various situations, such as when a business wants to improve its operations or when an individual wants to make a change in their personal life.
Regardless of the situation, a recommendation report is an invaluable decision-making tool. When written persuasively, a recommendation report can provide insight and clarity for the business or individual that receives it.
Investigative report
An investigative report is a business report designed to uncover important information about a particular subject or area of interest.
Typically, this kind of report involves in-depth research and analysis, intending to help readers understand an issue from multiple perspectives and make informed decisions based on the findings.
When writing an effective investigative report, establish clear goals and objectives, conduct thorough research, remain objective, and structure the information so that readers can easily understand it.
Whether you are working on a business report or conducting your own investigation as part of a research project, an investigative report should be effective and engaging.
With careful planning, strong writing skills, and a commitment to integrity and objectivity, creating powerful investigative reports will help readers gain insight into complex issues.
Compliance report
A compliance report is a business document used to assess the degree of adherence to various regulatory standards and requirements in a given organization.
These reports typically contain information about best practices, business processes, and tools and technologies implemented to ensure compliance with government regulations, industry standards, and business policies.
They are typically required by government agencies or other regulatory bodies as part of their oversight functions. In addition, many businesses use compliance reports internally to monitor performance and improve business operations.
If you are a business owner, an HR professional, or someone who wants to ensure that your workplace complies with relevant regulations, understanding the purpose of a compliance report is essential.
A well-written compliance report can help keep your business running smoothly and on track.
Feasibility report
A business feasibility report is a document that assesses the viability of a business idea. It helps determine whether or not a business should be established and, if so, how it can best be set up to achieve its objectives.
The report should outline the business concept, objectives, market opportunity, implementation plan, and risks. It should also include financial projections to assess the feasibility of the business.
The report should be well researched and objective. It should provide all the information necessary to decide whether or not to proceed with the business idea.
A feasibility report is an essential step in setting up a new business. A thorough report can help ensure that the startup business has the best chance of success.
Research studies report
Research studies reports are business documents that provide detailed information about a particular research project.
These reports typically communicate the findings of a study to stakeholders who did not participate in the research and provide an overview of the research/study for future reference.
A research study report typically includes:
- executive summary
- description of the research methodology
- presentation of the data and conclusions
The report may also include recommendations for future action. Research study reports can be highly technical, and they often require a deep understanding of the research process. As such, they are not always easy to write.
However, with careful planning and attention to detail, anyone can produce a well-written and informative research study report.
A periodic report
A periodic report is a crucial business document that provides regular updates on key business metrics and goals.
Typically, these reports are created quarterly or semi-annually and include information about revenue trends, operational efficiency, market position, and product pipeline.
Generally speaking, business leaders use periodic reports to assess the health of their companies and identify areas for improvement.
They can also help benchmark a business or organization against industry peers, identify emerging opportunities and threats, and optimize resource allocation.
Overall, a periodic report is an essential tool for business success, helping businesses stay competitive in today's fast-paced business environment.
A situation report
A situation report is a type of business report used to analyze and assess the current state of a particular business or industry.
Typically, a situation report will include detailed information on market trends, competition, growth opportunities, challenges, and other key factors impacting business performance over time.
Situation reports are essential tools for business leaders looking to make data-driven business decisions and remain competitive in their industry.
When compiling a situation report, use business reporting best practices and the key components of successful business reports to ensure that your findings are accurate, timely, and actionable.
A yardstick report
A yardstick report is a type of business report used to assess the progress and performance of a company or organization.
Typically, this type of report is used as part of an ongoing business process, such as tracking business goals or evaluating employee performance.
To create a yardstick report, analysts must compile data from various sources and draw conclusions about the current state of the business or organization being evaluated. The findings from this type of report can then be used to inform business decisions and drive future growth.
Whether you are an analyst or an executive looking for valuable insights into the direction a business is moving, yardstick reports can be invaluable in helping you achieve success.
Report writing: How to write a business report
Writing a business report can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the format and structure of business reports. However, some key tips can help you write an effective business report that impresses your readers.
Keep your target audience in mind and tailor your writing style and tone accordingly.
Once you have chosen a topic for your business report, plan out the structure and outline of your report in advance. This will help you stay organized during the writing process and ensure that all parts of your project are fully fleshed out.
Some common sections of a business report include:
- executive summary
- an introduction
- main body text
- conclusion
Each section should be brief but thorough, addressing all key points while staying on-topic and on-message.
Overall, follow these simple tips for business report writing to write engaging business reports that effectively convey complex ideas and essential data to interested stakeholders.
