What are policies in an organization?

Policies in an organization serve as broad guidelines that outline the expected behavior and conduct of employees. They set forth the organization's values, standards, and principles, providing a framework within which employees can operate. By establishing a clear understanding of what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, policies help foster a consistent work environment and support the overall organizational culture.

While specific instructions for daily operations, step-by-step processes for handling tasks, and documents for performance reviews are important components of organizational operations, they serve different purposes. Specific instructions and detailed processes tend to concentrate on operational efficiency and task execution, while performance review documents are focused on evaluating employee contributions and progress. In contrast, policies serve a more comprehensive role in guiding employee conduct and are key to ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals and legal compliance.