Reports serve to address the receiver's needs. Whether a report is informal or formal, or short or long, depends on the reader's needs. Typically, reports are used to aid in decision making and problem solving. Reports are orderly, objective messages used to convey information.

Reports are logically organized. If you give the main idea first and then follow with the supporting evidence, your report is organized.

Read the scenario about the characteristics of reports, and then answer the question.

You work for a marketing firm and are responsible for supervising three interns. One of the interns has no prior experience with business reports and asks you to give him a quick overview of the characteristics of a business report.

Which of these characteristics would accurately describe reports for the intern? Check all that apply.

Reports are typically subjective and reflect the writer's or writers' personal and professional opinions.

Reports typically travel upward in an organization because they are requested by a higher authority.

Reports are generally prepared for a limited audience to view or read.

Read the scenario about types of reports; and then answer the question.

$q,$

Your supervisor asks you to report on how quickly the warehouse responds to online orders. He wants to know exactly how long it takes to $log$ in an order, find the product, package it for shipping, and send it off. $q,$

What kind of report will you write for your supervisor in this situation?

Analytical, lateral report