Policies are broad statements or rules that govern decision-making and behavior within an organization. They serve as a decision-making framework and aid in ensuring consistency in how an organization operates. Policies can have a wide range of implications and frequently require approval from higher-ups within an organization.

Processes are the specific steps or actions required to complete a task or achieve a goal. They are the “how” of a task, providing a detailed outline of what must be done to achieve a specific result.

Procedures are detailed instructions or guidelines outlining the steps necessary to complete a specific task or process. Policies and processes are frequently more specific and granular.