A quick tip for distinguishing a policy from a procedure is that a policy explicitly states “what” the institutional position is on an issue, and a procedure outlines “how” the institution will implement this policy position. There are common characteristics that can help discern policy from procedures (or the practices used to implement policy). These are as follows:
Policy |
Procedures |
Widespread application |
Narrow application |
Changes less frequently |
Prone to change |
Usually expressed in broad terms |
Often stated in detail |
Statements of “what” and/or “why” |
Statements of “how,” “when” and/or “who” |
Answers major operational issue(s) |
Describes process |