LexBrew
Usage Entry 1340 / 1350 60-second read

Policy vs. Procedure

The what and why (principle) versus the how (step-by-step).

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

Our refund procedure states that customers are entitled to a full refund within 30 days.

✓ Correct

Our refund policy states that customers are entitled to a full refund within 30 days — the procedure is the step-by-step on how to process it.

The ruleii

POLICY = principle. PROCEDURE = steps.

POLICY is the principle or rule — what we do and why. PROCEDURE is the step-by-step operational method — how we do it. Policy: "We issue full refunds within 30 days." Procedure: "(1) customer fills form, (2) agent reviews, (3) refund processed by finance."

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

Policy says. Procedure shows.

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