Written communication is often resorted to by the management for messages that are lengthy and have to be made permanent. Written communication involves transmission of information through letters, notices, circulars, memos, reports, etc.

Advantages of written communication

1. Wide acces- written communication is the most economical and probably the only means of communication when the sender and receiver of the message are separated by long distances.
2. Precision and accuracy- written messages are prepared with due thought and care.
3. Repetition – written messages can be read again and again.
4. Permanent record-written communication provides permanent record for future reference. Such written message records of policy decisions and performance in the past serve as a good guide for decision making and planning in future.
5. Lengthy message-written communication is very suitable for transmitting lengthy messages.
6. Convenience –the personal presence of neither the sender nor the receiver of message at a certain place at the same time is necessary

Limitations of written communication

1. Time consuming- in addition to the time involved in sending written messages, time has to be spent in putting the message in writing.
2. Costly –written communication is very costly than oral communication.
3. Lack of secrecy- it is difficult to keep written messages completely secret.
4. Rigidity – written communication lacks flexibility. On the spot clarifications and adjustments cannot be made.
5. Impersonal –written communication tend to be formal and there is lack of personal touch.
6. Delayed feedback-immediate feedback is not possible in case of written communication.