Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Letters as form of business Communication
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Letters can be used for internal communication but are mainly used for external communication. The personnel departments to inform workers of wage rises, promotion or redundancy and disciplinary procedures will often use them. They provide written means of communication and can also include diagrams. Depending on how the message is sent, it will take a certain amount of time to reach the recipient, e.g. if it has to be delivered abroad through airmail, it can take longer than delivering it from London to Leicester. This can also depend on what class stamp the letter is being sent through. If it is through first class it will reach the recipient much quicker.

The advantages to letters are:

• provides written communication
• visual information is included
• can range from one to many pages
• doesn’t use any electronic means so is a lot cheaper
• a written record of the message will be kept
• the message is communicated in written format and therefore should be unambiguous
• can contain detailed information such as figures
• enables long distance communication to take place

The disadvantages to this method are:

• can take time to deliver
• can be lost
• not 100% sure of security , can easily be opened and read or sent to the wrong address
• Takes time to produce letter and can be inconvenient if an urgent message has to be delivered
• No guarantee or assurance that message has been received unless feedback has occurred
• If recipient does not understand any information, then they have to reply to the message stating the problem and then wait for another message reply from the sender.

The channels of communication are usually restricted as they are normally addressed to one individual unless otherwise stated. This ensures that the information goes to specified people only. This can also contribute to the confidentiality and security of information. Letters are written formally if it is between organisations but they can also be informal if sent to a friend.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Communication for Businesses
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Annual Reports as a method of external business communication
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Letters as form of business Communication
4. Aims of Internal Business Communication
5. Barriers to Communication and Causes of Communication Failure in Businesses
6. Faxes and Leaflets
7. Methods of Communication
8. Processes of Communication in a Business Organisation
9. Telex and Teletext for Business Communication
10. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Tannoy System for Business Communication
11. The Purpose of External Business Communication
12. Using Notices in Business Communication - Advantages and Disadvantages
13. Videoconferencing for Business Communication

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