• Recognize the differences between types of informal reports and how they are shared
• Understand what each section of an informal report is for
• Understand how to structure an informal report according to what your audience needs
• Learn how to write an informal report

Types of Informal Reports

Informal reports in the business setting are usually shorter in length and have fewer sections than formal reports. Employees in most organizations create and use informal reports. Almost all informal reports are for internal use. Some institutions have prescribed formats and others do not.

The following are typical types of informal reports. Keep in mind that there may be some overlap with formal reports (i.e., some report types can be informal or formal). Informal reports may be informational or analytical.

• Meeting minutes are a type of informal report that summarizes the discussion and results from a meeting. These reports are informational. They are summaries, not word-for-word accounts of all statements from all attendees.
• Expense reports are informal reports that usually have a prescribed format. These reports consist primarily of the amount of expenditures by type of expense. There is little to no narrative writing.
• Status updates may be internal to a company in addressing a business situation, or they may be external in providing the status of a project to another organization. These reports are short and tightly focused on the purpose. They are informational reports.
• Trip or conference reports are used to summarize and transmit learning from a trip or conference. They are informational, and they increase the value of the trip or conference as they share what was learned with others.
• Proposals or feasibility reports for smaller or simpler projects can also be considered informal reports. These are analytical, as they provide analysis and propose a direction to take.

Sharing Informal Reports

Informal reports may be delivered in a variety of formats including letters, memos, emails, and digital postings (such as a blog). While your delivery method may impact the format of your report, the writing and purpose will stay the same.

Informal reports may have internal or external audiences. The format of the report should align to the recipient:

• Memos are used for internal communication.
• Letters are used for external communication.
• Web postings are typically used for external communication, but institutions that have private networks may use these postings for internal communication.
• Email may be used for internal or external reports depending upon company policy.

Regardless of the mode of transmission, the structure and content of your report will be based on the type of the report.