BUS340 Week 4 Assignment Annual Report Formats

Student Name

11 Nov 2019

Ashford University

Annual Report Formats

Communication remains one of the most integral elements of every business organizations. It plays an important role in both the internal and external conveyance of information among the stakeholders of the organization. Largely, communication is about people. As such, it is a human oriented aspect of the organization that must be made with cognizance to human needs (Bovee & Thill, 2018). Needs such as ethical considerations, human values and what they believe ought to be considered when making business communication. To this end, this comparative analysis compares how two annual reports are composed with regard to their appropriateness from a communication point of view.

Differences in Data Presentation

There are notable communication differences in the two reports. First of all, Timberland Inc. annual report has a call on the first page, “Plant your future here” while that of Rayonier emphasizes on being more than trees organization. These differentiated approaches fortify the different approaches of the two companies thus attracting audiences that are aligned with their organizational goals (Thompson, 2011). For Timberland, the aim is to encourage people to plant more trees as a way of influencing the future. This message gets home as fast as possible right on the very beginning of the report. On the other hand, Rayonier seeks to diversify from trees to other areas such as real estate. Therefore, these differences enhance the messages that are intended to be communicated.

In this difference, I find the communication approach by Timberland more effective than that of Rayonier. The message, “Plant your future here” is both people centered and established on a collaborative approach. This makes it stronger than the latter in two counts. On the one hand, it helps connect with the stakeholders through informing them that their future depends on how they handle tree today. If they plant trees, they are assured of a better future. On the other in a collaborative way. I find these two approaches appealing and inclusive of all people.

Secondly, it is clear that the organizations are different. Timberland deals particularly with the planting of trees while Rayonier is more concerned about other aspects of trees and land such as real estate. As well, the aspects of data presented are also different. One company incorporates financial reports on the aspects of land renting and buying costs while the other is more concerned about how much income is made from engaging in real estate activities.  

Clarity of Data

The clarity of information presented is an important aspects of data presented. First, activities of the organizations are presented systematically. Each aspect such as loans is presented in a continuous way until it is exhausted. Especially in Timberland Inc. report, financial statements are presented in terms of balance sheets such that one can compare and contrast between the income and the expenditure in the organization. This informs the stakeholders of the decisions that ought to be made regarding the activities of the organization.

Much attention has been paid on a comparative presentation of information in Rayonier report. This makes it possible to compare between the current financial information and that of the previous year (Thompson, 2011). This way, decisions needed to be made can be made from these comparisons. One would have a clear picture of the organizational performance simply by skimming through the presentation.

Goals, Challenges and Plans of Top Managers

The two reports shed light on the differences in terms of goals and objectives of the top management. Timber land is more concerned with the goal of having more trees planted. As such, the major challenge that concerns the top managements are market factors that may influence the market price of trees which may be a discouragement of the people from planting trees. On the other hand, Rayonier’s top management is more concerned with the earnings per share. This is the most emphasized aspect in the very first pages and even in the statement of the top management. As such, the stakeholders are invited to evaluate the performance in terms of performance.

Format and report Organization and its Influence

As explained, the goals and objectives of the report have an influence on the format of presentation. For timberland, calling people to plant more trees is of greater importance than the accruing benefits from the engagement. As a consequence, the report contains much explanations and call for participation (Yang, 2007). This is meant to appeal to the audience and even help them make relevant decisions about the engagement. On the other hand, Rayonier is more oriented towards making profits. As such, most information is in terms of finances and statistical value. The statistics are meant to provide a proof that the business is doing well thus inviting people to invest in the organization. As a consequence, the methods used in conveying the information are critical in communicating the target information. 

In conclusion, communication plays a pivotal role in delivering targeted message. The two reports though dealing in similar products are targeted to attain different results. As a consequence, their communication approaches are different. Interestingly each one of them serves the purpose of the particular annual reports

References

Bovee, C.L., & Thill, J.V. (2018). Business communications today (14th ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/ .

Thompson, N. (2011). Putting it in writing. Effective Communication, 207-229. doi:10.1007/978-

1-137-28528-7_11

Yang, O. O. (2007). Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write a Successful NIH Grant

Application. Berlin, Germany: Springer Science & Business Media.