What is the difference between a “process” and a “procedure”?
A “process” may be explained as a set of interacting or interrelated activities, which are employed to add value. A “procedure” is a method of describing the way or How in which all or part of that process activities shall/should be performed. ISO 9000:2005 defines a procedure as a “specified way to carry out an activity or a process”, which does not necessarily have to be documented.
A “process” may be explained as a set of interacting or interrelated activities, which are employed to add value. A “procedure” is a method of describing the way or How activities shall/should be performed. ISO 9000:2005 defines a procedure as a “specified way to carry out an activity or a process”, which does not necessarily have to be documented.
Essentially, a process aims to specify the outputs or achievements of an activity, while a procedure aims to specify how something has to be done. Earlier versions of management standards focussed on procedures. This failed to address the important issue of why things were done, and how they fitted together to make a smoothly running operation overall. Recently-issued standards focus on clearly defined processes, and their links to the overall requirements of the organisation. Processes can be supported by procedures, or embody procedural information, where the operating method is critical. Otherwise it is generally acceptable (with a few specific exceptions) to let the person doing the job use their experience and training to adapt according to the circumstances. In this sense, processes are much more flexible, but they depend more on individuals. This is compatible with modern supervisory methods, and permits a degree of creativity and agility that can be of substantial benefit to an
