Policy vs. Framework: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 8, 2023
Policy is a set of principles or rules to guide decisions; a framework is a structural plan or basis of evaluation.
Key Differences
Policies typically contain rules or guidelines that can be followed to achieve a particular end. They are the instruments through which organizations implement their strategies and enforce compliance. Frameworks do not contain such rules; instead, they provide an overarching structure that ensures consistency and coherence across various policies and practices within an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Policies are formal statements produced by an organization to dictate what is considered acceptable behavior or action within its scope. They are specific in nature, providing clear instructions for particular situations. Frameworks, however, are more holistic, offering a broad structure within which policies and other processes can be developed and implemented.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
While a policy is meant to be adhered to without much deviation, a framework is inherently flexible, designed to be adapted as the situation demands. Policies are like laws within an organization, whereas frameworks are akin to the constitution that outlines the system of governance. Frameworks may change as organizational goals evolve, but policies often change only when there is a need for new regulations or adjustments to existing ones.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Policies require enforcement and are often accompanied by consequences for non-compliance. They are created to be clear and actionable, leaving little room for interpretation. Frameworks, conversely, provide guidance and are open to interpretation and adaptation, aiming to align various policies and actions with the overall strategic objectives of an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
A policy can be viewed as the "what" and "why" of a company's approach, outlining standards and protocols for specific issues. It is a directive that prescribes the desired outcome and possibly the steps for achieving it. Frameworks, on the other hand, serve as a "how-to" guide, outlining the system within which those policies are created, applied, and monitored. They do not provide specific solutions but rather offer a consistent method for developing solutions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A set of rules or guidelines.
An overarching system or structure.
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Nov 08, 2023
Purpose
To guide specific actions.
To organize and structure a range of activities.
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Scope
Narrow, focusing on specific areas.
Broad, encompassing multiple policies or areas.
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Function
To enforce and regulate behavior.
To guide the development and implementation of policies.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy and Framework Definitions
Policy
A course or principle of action adopted by an organization.
The company's privacy policy protects customer data.
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Nov 08, 2023
Framework
An essential supporting structure of a building, vehicle, or object.
The framework of the house was made from steel beams.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy
A directive providing guidance on how to handle situations.
The school has a strict anti-bullying policy.
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Nov 08, 2023
Framework
A system of rules, ideas, or beliefs that is used to plan or decide something.
The legislative framework needs to be robust for the policy to be effective.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy
A proposed action of a government, party, business, or individual.
The new tax policy was announced by the government.
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Nov 08, 2023
Framework
A set of beliefs or ideas on which a plan of action is based.
Their plan was created within the framework of environmental sustainability.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy
Rules or guidelines intended to influence decisions and actions.
The return policy ensures customer satisfaction.
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Nov 08, 2023
Framework
An arrangement of features which give support to a particular way of doing something.
The regulatory framework for the banking sector is under review.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy
A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters
American foreign policy.
The company's personnel policy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
A structure for supporting or enclosing something else, especially a skeletal support used as the basis for something being constructed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A course of action, guiding principle, or procedure considered expedient, prudent, or advantageous
Honesty is the best policy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity in practical matters
It is never good policy to speak rashly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(literally) A support structure comprising joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A principle of behaviour, conduct etc. thought to be desirable or necessary, especially as formally expressed by a government or other authoritative body.
The Communist Party has a policy of returning power to the workers.
It's company policy that all mobile phones are forbidden in meetings.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(literally) The arrangement of support beams that represent a building's general shape and size.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Wise or advantageous conduct; prudence, formerly also with connotations of craftiness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(figuratively) The larger branches of a tree that determine its shape.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Specifically, political shrewdness or (formerly) cunning; statecraft.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(figuratively) A basic conceptual structure.
These ‘three principles of connexion’ compose the framework of principles in Hume's account of the association of ideas.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(software engineering) A reusable piece of code (and, sometimes, other utilities) providing a standard environment within which an application can be implemented.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
(grammar) An established and structured system of rules and principles used for analyzing and describing the structure of a language.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
The work of framing, or the completed work; the frame or constructional part of anything; as, the framework of society.
A staunch and solid piece of framework.
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Oct 19, 2023
Framework
A simplified description of a complex entity or process;
The computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems
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Framework
The underlying structure;
Restoring the framework of the bombed building
It is part of the fabric of society
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Framework
A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
The new education framework focuses on skill-based learning.
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Nov 08, 2023
Policy
A document containing or certifying this contract.
Your insurance policy covers fire and theft only.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
(obsolete) An illegal daily lottery in late nineteenth and early twentieth century USA on numbers drawn from a lottery wheel (no plural)
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
The settled method by which the government and affairs of a nation are, or may be, administered; a system of public or official administration, as designed to promote the external or internal prosperity of a state.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
The method by which any institution is administered; system of management; course.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Management or administration based on temporal or material interest, rather than on principles of equity or honor; hence, worldly wisdom; dexterity of management; cunning; stratagem.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Prudence or wisdom in the management of public and private affairs; wisdom; sagacity; wit.
The very policy of a hostess, finding his purse so far above his clothes, did detect him.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Motive; object; inducement.
What policy have you to bestow a benefit where it is counted an injury?
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
The writing or instrument in which a contract of insurance is embodied; an instrument in writing containing the terms and conditions on which one party engages to indemnify another against loss arising from certain hazards, perils, or risks to which his person or property may be exposed. See Insurance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A method of gambling by betting as to what numbers will be drawn in a lottery; as, to play policy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government;
They debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A plan of action adopted by an individual or social group;
It was a policy of retribution
A politician keeps changing his policies
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
Written contract or certificate of insurance;
You should have read the small print on your policy
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Oct 19, 2023
Policy
A document outlining specific regulations or procedures.
Employees must follow the dress code policy at work.
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Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a framework?
A framework is an underlying structure that provides support and guidance.
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Nov 08, 2023
How does a policy differ from a procedure?
A policy sets out what is to be done; a procedure outlines how to do it.
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Nov 08, 2023
Why are policies important?
Policies ensure consistency, compliance, and guidance for decision-making.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a framework exist without policies?
Yes, but it is the policies that give a framework its practical application.
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Nov 08, 2023
How does a policy differ from a framework?
A policy dictates what should be done, while a framework provides a structured way of achieving those policies.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are policies legally binding?
Within an organization, they can be, but they are not laws in the public sense.
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Nov 08, 2023
What defines a policy?
A policy is defined as a set of guidelines or rules to govern behavior.
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Nov 08, 2023
Does a framework have to be formalized?
While frameworks are generally formalized to ensure consistency and clarity, informal frameworks may exist in less structured contexts.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is a policy?
A policy is a set of guidelines or principles that direct decisions and actions within an organization or system.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are policies subject to change?
Yes, policies can be revised based on evolving needs, outcomes, or changes in the governing body.
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Nov 08, 2023
How is a framework developed?
A framework is developed through research, analysis, and understanding of the specific area it aims to structure, often involving stakeholder input.
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Nov 08, 2023
Why are policies and frameworks important?
They provide order and guidelines for conduct, ensuring that actions are consistent with the goals and values of the organization or system.
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Nov 08, 2023
What makes a good framework?
It should be clear, adaptable, and provide a solid base for developing policies.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can frameworks exist without policies?
Frameworks can exist independently as conceptual structures, but they are often associated with specific policies in practical applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can a framework include policies?
Yes, frameworks can encompass various policies as part of their structural guidance.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is a policy legally binding?
Some policies can be legally binding, especially in governmental or corporate contexts, while others serve as internal guidelines.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a framework be used universally?
Some frameworks are designed to be universal, while others are specific to certain fields or disciplines.
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Nov 08, 2023
Who implements a policy?
Policies are implemented by the members of an organization or the individuals within a system governed by the policy.
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Nov 08, 2023
What's the relationship between a policy and a law?
A law is a system of rules enforceable by governmental institutions, whereas a policy is a principle that guides decision-making within the scope of the law.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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