USING INFORMATIONFormal information
This involves presenting information in a structured and consistent manner. It is usually defined, within an organisation, as the main way of communicating between and within parts of the organisation. It is also usually the main way of communicating externally from an organisation. The main methods of formal communication are still the formal letter, properly structured reports, writing of training materials, etc. Formal information is communicated in cogent, coherent, well-structured language.
Informal information
This describes less well-structured information that is transmitted within an organisation or between individuals who usually know each other. It tends to be categorised as ‘unofficial’ information, and is communicated by casual conversations, e-mails, or text messages between colleagues. The language used is less well structured than formal communication and tends to include colloquialisms and shorthand; and spelling is less important.
Quantitative information
This is information that is represented using words. Any event or object that is represented using words to describe its attributes is an example of qualitative information.
Download and complete Worksheet 2. and Worksheet 2a.
