"A Memorandum Is Written Not To Inform The Rea: Writing Memoranda
"A Memorandum Is Written Not To Inform The Rea: Writing Memoranda
"A Memorandum Is Written Not To Inform The Rea: Writing Memoranda
“A memorandum is written not to inform the reader but to protect the writer” – Dean Acheson
MEMO is one of the most frequently used words in the corporate world. However, some employees are still confused
on what a memo is. Due to lack of knowledge and background about the definition and contents of the word “memo”,
sometimes it denotes something negative especially if you will learn that it came from your superiors.
MEMO as defined by Collins Dictionary is a short official note that is sent by one person to another within the same
company or organization to remind the recipient. It is a clipped or shortened term for memorandum. It is one type of
business correspondence together with business letters, contracts, certifications, and endorsements which is written for
the purpose of effective management.
Writing effective memorandum is an essential skill especially for business managers and administrators. If a
memorandum is well-written, then, it may express its message successfully. On the contrary, if memorandum is drafted
poorly, it might fail to deliver its purpose and might give negative impressions about the writer.
How long should a memo be? According to Locker (2006), some organizations force writers to be concise by requiring or
encouraging one-page memos. In simple situations, a page may be more than you need. In other situations, careful
revising and editing may enable you to cut your memo to a page. When you can’t get everything on one page even with
careful revision, put the key points on one well-designed page and attach appendices for readers who need information.
Minas et al (2019) shared two essential facts about inter-office memorandum. First, a good memo passes departments,
between individuals in different departments, between management and the staff, and others. Second, most firms
provide printed forms and restrict inter-office correspondence to one subject only in order to encourage conciseness
and clarity and to facilitate filing and reference.
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(Adapted from Gerson, S.J. & Gerson, S.M. , 2003)
A memorandum, just like any business correspondence must consist of the following basic elements:
TO :
FROM :
SUBJECT : (Focus + topic)
DATE :
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
In writing memorandum, we should take note that there is a subtle difference between using Memorandum For and
Memorandum To. The first is usually written by a subordinate addressed to his superior while the latter generally comes
from the superior addressed to his subordinates.
Lastly, we should always remember that letters normally go to people outside your organization; memos go to other
people in your organization.
ACTIVITY:
1. Analyze the parts and contents of the given memorandum. Answer the following questions after the sample.
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SUBJECT : 52 TALK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Good day!
This is to inform you about the scheduled Christmas Party that will be held at Marikina Convention
Center, Marikina City on December 23, 2019 (Saturday), 6:00 P.M. to 10 P.M.
With this, I am glad to announce that bringing of immediate family members to the event is highly
encouraged to enjoy and to feel the spirit of Christmas.
Kindly give the list of names of your invited guests to your Team Leader on or before November 29,
2019 for reservation.
1. Why do you think it is important to observe FOR and TO in addressing the receiver of the memorandum?
2. What will happen if the top management of a business entity do not know how to write a memorandum?
3. What are the differences and similarities of business letters and memoranda?
Thank you.
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