What is the difference between policy and procedures

A procedure or work instruction should detail the exact steps an individual would need to go through to complete any activity detailed in a process. I hope that my sharing these policy, procedure and process guidelines with you has been helpful. A common reason for being interested in the difference between a policy, a process and a procedure is that having clarity and consistency around different types of information is absolutely key in encouraging your employees to follow the agreed process.

However this is still the most difficult thing to achieve in any process improvement project - because it relies on people to individually check and follow the correct documentation. This is a process execution engine which sets your processes as lifecycles which everyone has to follow. To read more about this and to sign up for ATC Free please click here:.

What is a Process? And who Cares Anyway? A standard specifies uniform uses of specific technologies or configurations. Here we are talking about a specific internal standard of an organisation. People sometimes talk about employment standards or rules like rules of conduct or performance. These do fall within this category.

The other kind of standard is one that is issued by a third party for example an industry body like ISO. For example, the ISO suite or data protection standards. Third-party r ules like professional rules or codes like the code of conduct of an association are often associated with third-party standards.

Standards are often standalone and referenced in policies. In this example, the policy refers to the standard and the standard assists the target audience comply with the policy. Most organisation specific internal standards are mandatory but it is the related policy that dictates whether a standard is mandatory or voluntary. A third party standard can be voluntary or mandatory. Sometimes an organisation decides or agrees that a voluntary third party standard will be mandatory.

The default position is usually that they are voluntary. A guideline provides general guidance, and additional advice and support for policies, standards or procedures. A guideline gives the reader guidance and additional information to help the audience. It will also assist the policymaker in explaining the policy to the policy audience in simpler terms. Many people confuse a guideline with a policy because a guideline contains similar content to a policy.

The biggest difference between the two is that a guideline is voluntary and policy is always mandatory. One of the modules in our programme called having good policies in place is also an example of guidance for policies. The difference between a policy, procedure, standard and guideline. The difference between a policy, procedure, standard and guideline View Larger Image.

Having a good policy framework in place Every organisation needs to implement a good policy framework with a document hierarchy. Procedure implies the step by step sequence, for the performance of activity within the organisation. Policies are general statement that sets out the limits within which decisions are taken by the managers and thus assures the consistent performance. On the contrary, procedures, suggest the exact way of performing an activity.

It indicates the sequence for handling various business activities. In this article excerpt, you will find all the substantial differences between policies and procedures,.

Basis for Comparison Policies Procedures Meaning A precise statement which contains the set of principles acting as guidelines for achieving the goals of an organization is known as Policy. The Procedure is a systematic sequence for an activity or task which is predefined by an organization. Nature Policies are flexible in nature, i. Procedures are rigid in nature. Reflects The mission of the organization. Practical applicability of the policies. Best Implemented when Fully acceptable by the people.

Follow a logical process. Policies are also known as the mini-mission statement, that are formulated by the top management, for serving as guidelines to take quick and rational decision regarding the day to day operational activities of the company.

Policies affect the internal structure and routine activities of the entity which requires periodic decision making. They are generally in the form of the concise statement.