5. Report Formats: the Long Form

5. Report Formats: the Long Form

In most organizations, decisions are based on information gathered
from a variety of sources. This information is usually presented to the
decision maker in the form of a long report that contains carefully
substantiated data, conclusions, and recommendations.
Types of Long Reports: There are several different types of long reports. Each type is
designed for a different goal. Therefore, when you write a long report, it is important
to identify your goal early in the planning stage. The different types of long reports
are as follows:
 Informative long report: This type of report presents information needed to
make a decision.
 Analytical long report: This type of report provides in-depth data about a
particular situation. For example, a company might wish to analyze the
feasibility of marketing a new high intensity bulb, or of purchasing a new
piece of equipment from another firm. Such a report would analyze the
financial,, personnel, risk, and other factors involved.
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 Comparative long report: A comparative report compares two or more
alternatives. Advantages and disadvantages of each alternative are outlined.
 Argumentative long report: this type of report strongly recommends a specific
course of action and provides documentation to support it.
 Persuasive long report: A more subtle approach is used in the persuasive
report than in the argumentative report. Here data and information are
provided to encourage the reader to take favorable action.
Quite often, a single report combines one or more of the types listed above; for example,
a report may not only inform but also persuade.