Functions Of Policies

Policies are written with a specific objective in mind, taking into account the vision, mission and values of the organisation. The following functions of a policy needs to be taken into account when a policy is drafted:

• A policy communicates and clearly stipulates the values and expectations within the organisation.
• A policy ensures that organisations comply with the relevant legislation.
• The best practices, appropriate to that particular organisation, are documented and implemented.
• The manner in which employees are treated are clearly consistent, fair and transparent.
• Management is assisted in making decisions that are consistent, uniform and predictable.
• Protects individuals and the organisation.

Even if policies are not written down, they still exist. Verbal communications, values and objectives imply an underlying structure and procedure. If these are however not written down, inconsistencies can occur, and the integrity of the department and/or organisation can be in the balance. Employees are still accountable for the implementation of Policies as well as the outcome, should investigations be required.

Policies and procedures are created according to specific administrative systems, as identified in Module 1 and 2. For purposes of this module, only 4 systems will be discussed, namely Marketing, Human Relations, Finance, and Labour Relations.