Types of orders

a.   Written and oral: Written order is preferred when the task is repetitive and it is essential to keep a record of the order given. Oral order is preferred where the job is required to be done immediately and also there is no need for maintaining any record of the order given. It needs mention, however, that with the help of mechanical devices record keeping of oral messages has become very easy.

b.   General and specific: General orders become binding on every one of a group whereas specific order is meant for a specific individual.

c.   Mandatory and discretionary: Mandatory orders are to be obeyed.

They cannot be avoided. But discretionary orders are not compulsory on the part of the receivers.

d.   Procedural and operational: Procedural orders specify procedures to be adopted in doing a job. Operational orders, on the other hand, indicate the operation to be carried out. The former is general whereas the latter is specific by nature.