Types of Writing in Business

Overview

Every discipline has specific types of writing that are done within it (genres), and every genre has conventions (i.e., the features of that type of writing). We often recognize genre conventions when we're thinking about books or movies. You don't expect violence and action-packed chase scenes in a romantic comedy, but you do expect a fantasy book or film to have new worlds, magical creatures, etc. Genres apply to academic and professional writing as well. Once you recognize the writing genres in your graduate field of study, you'll be able to learn the genre conventions, which will help you write successfully.

Visit this page to learn more about the types of writing you'll do at the graduate level (and beyond) in the field of business. Note that this page focuses solely on writing types that are unique to this discipline. (For more information about general writing resources--such as materials about writing abstracts, literature reviews, and research papers--visit the Writing Center resources page).

Types of Writing in Business

The Lucas College and Graduate School of Business at SJSU offers a wide variety of degree programs offering professional and academic preparation for fields related to business administration and management. We currently offer the following graduate degree programs (as of July 2022):

• MBA Program (includes Early Career MBA and Professional MBA)

• MSA Program (Accounting)

• MST Program (Taxation)

• MSTM Program (Transportation Management)

• Advanced Certificates Program (various available)

• Partner Graduate Programs (includes MS in Medical Product Development Management and Master of Biotechnology)
  

The following writing types and genres will be explored through the various graduate courses and disciplines within the Lucas Graduate School of Business. Students will develop skills in reading, analyzing, and synthesizing information from these genre types and then create these types of documents themselves.

Case Studies/Case Analyses

The case study is an in-depth look at real-life and hypothetical situations faced by business decision-makers and organizations. The case method in the business context is powerful because there is no single right answer for how to resolve the challenges embodied in a case study. Students are encouraged to collaboratively examine the various issues, analyze the data and facts presented, and reflect on the various options for moving forward productively (adapted from HBS; “Inside the Case Method” video).

Business Plans

Most plans (across business disciplines) include some variation on a 10-step planning process, sometimes with emphasis on different aspects. The 10 steps/sections are outlined below:

1. statement of purpose (mission, vision, objective, primary goal);

2. company/customers' context, segmentation, and value proposition(s);

3. industry analysis, competition/coopetition, value chain, supply chain;

4. competitive analysis, SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), strategic analysis;

5. positioning, branding, creative strategy goals and objectives;

6. marketing mix: product, price, place (distribution/channel strategy), and promotion plans (advertising/outreach etc.);

7. implementation tactics, quality control, location, sales targets;

8. financials: budget, financing, ROI of various initiatives, cost-benefit analysis;

9. longer-term outlook and opportunities for continued development/growth;

10. team, org structure, and call to action for decision makers and stakeholders.

Journal and News Articles

Peer-reviewed scholarly research and subject matter expert write-ups in the popular press.

Books and eBooks

Multi-chapter publications written by both academics and industry pundits.

Industry & Market Information / Company & Financial Information

Graduate students in business will often have to create reports about either industry and market information or company and financial information. The most common report types are listed below.

• Global and US Specialized Industry Reports

• California State Industry & Economic Reports

• SWOT Reports

• Company Financials

• SEC Filings

• Investment Reports

• Market Share Reports

• Business Environment Reports

• Industry Research Essays

Contracts, Communications, and Business Documents

Various types of contracts and agreements are commonly written in the business field. These documents have legal standing, so it's especially important to ensure complete accuracy and to pay careful attention to your writing. One errant comma can change the legal meaning of a sentence! The most common types of contracts and agreements (along with common genres of business communications) are listed below.

• Human resources hiring plans

• Professional emails and letters

• Project contracts

• Licensing agreements

• Sales agreements

• Employee contracts

• Partnership and alliance agreements

• Non-disclosure agreements