Topic 2: Written Communication & Business Correspondence
Lesson 5: Handling Business Correspondence & Mail Management
Efficient management of incoming and outgoing mail (correspondence) is vital for organizational workflow, record-keeping, and professional image.
Handling Incoming Mail:
- Procedure: Collection -> Sorting & Opening (except “Personal/Confidential”) -> Recording (especially cheques/valuables) -> Date-stamping -> Distributing to relevant departments/personnel.
- Centralized vs. Departmental Mail Services:
- Centralized: Single mailroom for the whole organization. Promotes uniformity, control, and specialization but can be slower.
- Departmental: Each department handles its own mail. Faster for the department but leads to duplication and inconsistent systems.
Record Management and Filing:
- Purpose: To classify, store, and retrieve documents efficiently for future reference and legal compliance.
- Filing Systems:
- Classification Methods: Alphabetical, Numerical, Geographical, Subject, Chronological.
- Filing Equipment: Vertical filing cabinets, Lateral filing, Horizontal filing, Ring binders, Box files.
- The Record Cycle: Creation -> Utilization -> Storage -> Retrieval -> Archiving/Destruction.
- Retention & Archiving: Documents have a life cycle. Inactive records are either archived for long-term historical preservation or securely destroyed (e.g., shredding).
Dispatching Outgoing Mail:
- Procedure: Collection from departments -> Checking for signatures/enclosures -> Folding & Sealing -> Weighing & Stamping (Franking) -> Recording (registered mail) -> Delivery to post/courier.
- Postal and Courier Services: Organizations choose services based on speed, cost, security, and reliability (e.g., regular post, registered mail, express couriers).
Technology in Correspondence:
- Email: Fast, cost-effective, allows attachments. Requires management to avoid misuse and “inbox overload.”
- Electronic Filing: Storing documents digitally for easy search and retrieval, saving physical space.
Reprographics: The process of copying and duplicating documents (photocopying, printing, scanning).