Question 7

Explanation

A policy and a procedure are two different types of documents that guide the actions of an organization. A policy is a general statement that sets out the rules and principles of the organization. It provides a framework for decision-making and helps to align the organization’s activities with its vision and mission. A procedure is a detailed step-by-step instruction that describes how to perform a specific task or process. It ensures consistency, quality, and compliance in the organization’s operations.

Policy and procedure have some key differences:

• A policy is a set of rules and standards that define the organization’s expectations and requirements for its members and stakeholders. It establishes the boundaries and limits of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. A procedure is a set of instructions that describe how to implement the policy in a specific situation or task. It provides the steps and methods to follow the policy consistently and effectively.

• A policy is usually written in a general and abstract language, while a procedure is written in a specific and concrete language. A policy states the “what” and the “why” of the organization’s actions, while a procedure states the “how” and the “when” of the organization’s actions.

• A policy is usually developed by the top management or the board of directors of the organization, while a procedure is usually developed by the operational staff or the department heads of the organization. A policy requires approval and endorsement from the highest authority, while a procedure requires validation and verification from the relevant experts.

• A policy is usually applicable to the whole organization or a large segment of it, while a procedure is usually applicable to a particular function or process of the organization. A policy covers a wide range of scenarios and situations, while a procedure covers a narrow range of scenarios and situations.

• A policy is usually reviewed and revised periodically or when there is a significant change in the organization’s environment or objectives, while a procedure is usually reviewed and revised frequently or when there is a minor change in the organization’s operations or resources.