What Is the Difference Between a Policy & a Procedure?
Function Policies are guidelines that regulate organizational affairs. They control the conduct of people and activities of the systems. A policy is a type of position statement. It clarifies the stance of the organization on an important issue. It explains how the organization intends to operate. While policies are organization’s guidelines, procedures delineate the normal method of tackling things. They are protocols for implementation. Procedures complement policies. The statement “it is our policy to provide the best customer service in the industry” leaves a lot of unanswered questions, such as the time and costs acceptable toward this end. Procedures outline the steps and their sequence towards attaining policies. Characteristics Good policies and procedures should 1. Provide insight on what the management believes is important 2. Clarify obligations of the employees, purpose of the obligations and consequences of failure to abide by them 3. Be consistent and last beyond the term
