What is the difference between strategy and policy?
Definition of Strategy
The strategy is a game plan, chosen to achieve the organisational objectives, gain customer’s trust, attain competitive advantage and to acquire a market position. It is a combination of well-thought intent and actions which lead to the organisation towards its desired position or destination. It is a unified and integrated plan made to achieve the basic objectives of the enterprise like:
Effectiveness
Handling events and problems
Taking advantage of opportunities
Full resource utilisation
Coping with threats
The strategy is a combination of flexibly designed corporate moves, through which an organisation can compete with its rivals successfully. The following are the features of the Strategy:
It should be formulated from the top level management. However, sub-strategies can be made by middle-level management.
It should have a long range perspective.
It should be dynamic in nature.
The main purpose is to overcome from uncertain situations.
It should be made in such a way, to make the best possible use of scarce resources.
Definition of Policy
The policy is also regarded as a mini – mission statement, is a set of principles and rules which direct the decisions of the organisation. Policies are framed by the top level management of the organisation to serve as a guideline for operational decision making. It is helpful in highlighting the rules, value and beliefs of the organisation. In addition to this, it acts as a basis for guiding the actions.
Policies are designed, by taking the opinion and general view of a number of people in the organisation regarding any situation. They are made from the experience and basic understanding. In this way, the people who come under the range of such policy will completely agree upon its implementation.
Policies help the management of an organisation to determine what is to be done, in a particular situation. These have to be consistently applied over a long period to avoid discrepancies and overlapping.
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What is the difference between strategy and policy?
Strategy vs Policy
The terms strategy and policy are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and functions in an organization.
Policy
- A policy is a set of guidelines or rules established by an organization to govern its actions and decisions.
- Policies are typically broad and high-level, outlining the organization's overall approach to a particular issue or situation.
- Policies are usually developed by senior management and are intended to provide a framework for decision-making at all levels of the organization.
- Policies are often formalized through written documents and are communicated to all employees to ensure consistency and compliance.
Strategy
- Strategy, on the other hand, is a plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal or objective.
- Strategies are more focused and specific than policies, outlining the steps and tactics that will be used to accomplish a particular outcome.
- Strategies are developed based on an organization's goals, resources, and competitive environment, and are often created by middle or lower-level managers in collaboration with other stakeholders.
- Strategies are dynamic and can change over time in response to new information or changing circumstances.
Differences
- Policies are guidelines or rules that govern decision-making, while strategies are plans of action designed to achieve specific goals.
- Policies are broad and high-level, while strategies are more focused and specific.
- Policies are typically developed by senior management, while strategies may be developed by middle or lower-level managers.
- Policies are formalized and communicated to all employees, while strategies may be more fluid and adaptable.
In conclusion, policies provide a framework for decision-making, while strategies outline the specific actions that will be taken to achieve organizational goals. Both are important components of organizational management and should be aligned to ensure success.