Why should the important contents of a long business report be summarized in an executive summary?

• A. To ensure the report is longer and appears more comprehensive.
• B. To replace the need for detailed analysis in the main report.
• C. To provide busy executives with a quick overview of the main findings and recommendations.
• D. To include technical jargon that only specialists can understand.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of an executive summary: It is a concise section at the beginning of a business report that highlights the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
2. Recognize the target audience: Executive summaries are designed for busy executives who may not have time to read the entire report but need a quick overview to make informed decisions.
3. Identify the main components of an executive summary: It should include the purpose of the report, key findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon.
4. Avoid common misconceptions: An executive summary does not replace the detailed analysis in the main report; it complements it by providing a high-level overview.
5. Ensure clarity and brevity: The executive summary should be written in clear, straightforward language and be concise, typically no longer than one page.