Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

How are procedures different from policies?

1. Procedures are general guidelines for employee behaviors.

2. Policies are more specific than procedures.

3. Procedures are more specific than policies.

4. There is no difference.

The correct answer is: Procedures are more specific than policies.

Procedures are indeed more specific than policies, which makes this the correct answer. Policies serve as broad statements that outline an organization’s stance or approach regarding certain issues, often reflecting its values and goals. They provide the overarching principles that guide behavior and decision-making within the organization. On the other hand, procedures delineate the specific steps or actions needed to comply with a policy. They lay out the practical application of the policy in a detailed manner, providing employees with clear instructions on how to perform particular tasks or navigate processes. This specificity is crucial because it helps ensure consistency and compliance in the implementation of the organization’s policies. While policies address the "why" of a decision or action, procedures cover the "how." This distinction underscores the operational nature of procedures against the broader, strategic nature of policies, illustrating that procedures need to be precise to effectively translate the guidelines established by the policies into action.