What is the purpose of an Executive Summary?

The purpose of an Executive Summary is to summarize key points of a report. It serves as a concise overview that distills the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of a longer document, making it easier for decision-makers or stakeholders to quickly grasp the essential information without having to read the entire report. This is particularly important in business and emergency services contexts where time may be of the essence, and the need for quick, informed decisions is critical.

While analyzing financial data, providing detailed accounts of processes, or highlighting employee performance are important aspects of reports, these tasks typically fall within the body of the report rather than the Executive Summary. The summary is designed to deliver a high-level view that helps readers understand the report's purpose and significance at a glance.