In the business world, the concepts of policy, process, and procedure are fundamental in defining how work is carried out in any organization. Entrepreneur Khalil Al-Qahiri defines these terms precisely, helping us understand the role of each in achieving organizational goals.
Policy
According to Khalil Al-Qahiri, policy is "the rules and logic that justify actions and methods." It serves as a guiding principle for developing procedures and reflects the rules that should be followed within an organization. The primary goal of a policy is to define "why" business activities are carried out. Policies are a part of the organization's strategic framework and must align with the company’s objectives and values. Policies are typically set at the highest levels to ensure adherence to the organization’s core principles and to achieve positive outcomes.
Examples of policies:
- Healthcare policy in a hospital might state that only trained professionals can administer medications.
- Hiring policy in a company may outline principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.
Process
A process is defined as "the general picture of how work is done," focusing on the sequence of main activities that must be carried out. A process shows "how" activities are generally performed and defines the framework for carrying out the work. It acts as a roadmap for how tasks should proceed within the organization. The purpose of the process is to specify responsibilities, tasks, and timelines, and it often spans across different departments or functional areas.
Examples of processes:
- Medication administration process in a hospital: Details how medications should be stored, when and where they should be given, and who is responsible for administering them.
- Recruitment process: Outlines how job openings are advertised, how interviews are conducted, and how candidates are selected.
Procedure
A procedure refers to the "detailed steps" for carrying out specific tasks. It shows "what" exactly needs to be done and provides step-by-step instructions for execution. Procedures typically address the completion of one particular task and include checklists, forms, and tools to help complete the task in an organized, efficient, and accurate manner.
Examples of procedures:
- Medication administration procedure: Provides specific instructions on how to give the correct medication to the right patient, including the dosage, timing, and documentation requirements.
- Pre-employment verification procedure in human resources: Includes detailed steps for verifying salary details and completing interviews before making a formal job offer.
Illustrative Examples
In Healthcare:
- Policy: "Only qualified professionals can administer medications."
- Process: Details on how to store medications, who is responsible for administering them, and when and where this occurs.
- Procedure: Specific instructions on how to administer the medication to the correct patient, including documentation of the process.
In Human Resources:
- Policy: "Ensure equal opportunities during the recruitment process."
- Process: Describes how to manage recruitment activities, such as job postings and selection procedures.
- Procedure: Step-by-step actions such as verifying salary details, obtaining approvals, and conducting interviews.
Conclusion
Policy defines the principles and overall framework, process shows "how" activities are carried out, and procedure provides the specific steps for performing each task. All three work together to ensure that work flows smoothly and effectively, helping the organization achieve its strategic goals.
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