Defining Policy and Procedure

A policy is a formal statement of a principle or rule that members of an organization must follow. Each policy addresses an issue important to the organization's mission or operations.

A procedure tells members of the organization how to carry out or implement a policy. The policy is the "what" and the procedure is the "how-to".

Policies are written as statements or rules. Procedures are written as instructions, in logical steps.

Policies serve several important functions: 

• Communicate values and expectations for how things are done at your organization.
• Keep the organization in compliance with legislation and provide protection against employment claims.
• Document and implement best practices appropriate to the organization.
• Support consistent treatment of staff, fairness and transparency.
• Help management makes decisions that are consistent, uniform and predictable.
• Protect individuals and the organization from the pressures of expediency.

Why Policies are Important

Policies serve several important functions:

• Communicate values and expectations for how things are done at your organization.
• Keep the organization in compliance with legislation and provide protection against employment claims.
• Document and implement best practices appropriate to the organization.
• Support consistent treatment of staff, fairness and transparency.
• Help management makes decisions that are consistent, uniform and predictable.
• Protect individuals and the organization from the pressures of expediency.

Click here to view an explanation of Human Resource Policies.

Klik hier om na 'n verduideliking oor Menslike Hulpbron Beleide te luister.