What is the Difference Between Policy and Regulation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between policy and regulation lies in their definition and enforcement. Here are the key differences:
- Definition: Policy refers to a set of principles, guidance, or documents adopted by a government or an organization to achieve their aims and goals. On the other hand, a regulation is a rule or directive of a government, which may be contained in law or some other form of administrative issuance that has been approved and is considered as a restriction imposed to make people follow the desired code of conduct.
- Origin: Policies are made by organizations, individuals, groups, companies, and governments to carry out their plans. Regulations are made by the executive branch of the government, whereas policies are made by organizations and governments.
- Enforcement: Regulations are administrative in nature and allow for smooth operations in an organization or a system. They are restrictive and impose sanctions upon people and companies. In contrast, policies are guidelines or principles that may not necessarily impose strict enforcement measures.
- Compliance: Compliance with regulations is mandatory, and non-compliance can result in penalties or sanctions. Compliance with policies, however, may be voluntary or non-binding, depending on the nature of the policy.
To summarize, policies are guiding principles or plans created by organizations or governments to achieve their goals, while regulations are enforceable rules or directives made by governments to ensure compliance with a particular code of conduct.
Comparative Table: Policy vs Regulation
Here is a table highlighting the differences between policies and regulations:
| Feature | Policies | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Policies are rules made by organizations, individuals, or governments to achieve their aims and goals. | Regulations are rules made by a government or other authority to control the way people behave and ensure compliance with desired codes of conduct. |
| Nature | Policies are guidelines that define an intent to achieve an objective based on a set of procedures. | Regulations are restrictive rules that impose sanctions upon people and companies. |
| Authority | Policies are made by organizations, individuals, groups, companies, or governments. | Regulations are made by the executive branch of the government or other statutory bodies. |
| Enforcement | Policies are generally adopted by a governmental agency or private companies to help members achieve their goals. | Regulations are considered as restrictions imposed by authority to keep the system regulated and have the effect of a law. |
| Amendment | Policies can be changed more easily as they are not as strictly enforced. | Regulations, once established, are more fixed and cannot be changed instantly unless the body amends the order. |
In summary, policies are guidelines created by various organizations or individuals to achieve their objectives, while regulations are rules made by governments or other authorities to control behavior and ensure compliance with desired codes of conduct. Regulations are more restrictive and have the effect of a law, whereas policies are more flexible and can be changed more easily.
- Law vs Regulation
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- Rules vs Regulations
- Policy vs Legislation
- Law vs Policy
- Act vs Regulation
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- Rules vs Policies
- Strategy vs Policy
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- Policy vs Procedure
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- Policy vs Protocol
- Policy Making vs Decision Making
- Regime vs Rule
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- Laws vs Rules
- Constitution vs Legislation
- Guidelines vs Rules