Procedure vs. Routine: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 24, 2024
A procedure is a documented series of steps for a task, while a routine is a consistent, habitual behavior pattern, typically undocumented.
Key Differences
Procedures are formalized instructions, often found in professional or technical contexts, like medical operations, laboratory experiments, or business operations. Routines, however, are more about daily habits or regular practices that individuals or groups follow to maintain order in their lives or work. Routines might not require the same level of precision and formal documentation as procedures.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 24, 2024
Procedures are designed to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency in tasks that require precision and might have significant consequences if not performed correctly. For instance, a surgical procedure involves a series of precise steps that must be followed to ensure patient safety. Routines, can be personal (morning routines), or work-related (closing procedures for a shop), but they are generally established through practice rather than formal instruction. A routine might evolve naturally over time and can vary greatly between individuals or organizations.
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Feb 24, 2024
A procedure is typically designed to achieve a specific outcome in a controlled and replicable manner, a routine is more about creating a predictable structure to daily life or work, which might not have a singular, specific outcome. Procedures require adherence to a predefined set of steps, whereas routines allow for more flexibility and personal adaptation.
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Feb 24, 2024
The implementation of a procedure is often mandatory and based on best practices or regulatory standards, aimed at minimizing errors. In contrast, routines are adopted for efficiency, comfort, or personal preference, and their modification does not typically result in significant risks or failures.
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Feb 24, 2024
Comparison Chart
Definition
A set of specific steps to achieve a task.
A regular pattern of behavior or activities.
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Feb 24, 2024
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Documentation
Often formally documented.
Typically not documented in detail.
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Flexibility
Limited, must follow specific steps.
More flexible, can be adjusted.
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Context
Professional, technical, critical tasks.
Daily life, work habits, personal practices.
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Purpose
Ensure consistency, safety, efficiency.
Create predictability, efficiency in daily life.
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Examples
Surgical procedures, emergency protocols.
Morning routines, daily work schedules.
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Procedure and Routine Definitions
Procedure
Detailed instructions for critical tasks.
The fire evacuation procedure is designed to maximize safety.
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Routine
Regularly followed pattern of behavior.
Her morning routine includes yoga and meditation.
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Procedure
A series of actions conducted for a specific purpose.
The laboratory procedure for testing samples ensures accurate results.
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Routine
Can be personal or shared among a group.
The team's routine meeting every Monday helps organize the week.
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Procedure
Can be mandatory and regulated.
Financial audits are conducted following established accounting procedures.
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Routine
Allows for personal adaptation and flexibility.
He adjusted his workout routine to include more cardio.
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Procedure
Often requires training or expertise to perform.
Nurses follow strict procedures when administering medication.
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Routine
Helps in maintaining order and efficiency.
Following a study routine helps students manage their time effectively.
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Procedure
Designed to minimize errors and risks.
The assembly line procedure ensures each product meets quality standards.
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Routine
Establishes predictability in daily life.
The daily routine of opening the store involves cleaning and stocking shelves.
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Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
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Routine
A set of customary or unchanging and often mechanically performed activities or procedures
A routine of housework.
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Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
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Routine
The practice of such activities or procedures
"Routine had caused stagnation" (Garry Wills).
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Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
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Routine
A scripted piece of entertainment, especially in a nightclub or theater
The audience laughed at the comedian's routine.
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Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
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Routine
(Slang) A particular kind of behavior or activity
Must you go into your hurt routine when you don't get your way?.
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Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
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Routine
(Computers) A set of programming instructions designed to perform a specific limited task.
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Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
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Routine
A set of normal procedures, often performed mechanically.
Connie was completely robotic and emotionless by age 12; her entire life had become one big routine.
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Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
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Routine
(computing) A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task; a subroutine.
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Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
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Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
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Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
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Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
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Routine
A round of business, amusement, or pleasure, daily or frequently pursued; especially, a course of business or offical duties regularly or frequently returning.
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Routine
Any regular course of action or procedure rigidly adhered to by the mere force of habit.
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Routine
A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
He did his act three times every evening
She had a catchy little routine
It was one of the best numbers he ever did
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Routine
Occurring at fixed times or predictable intervals;
Made her routine trip to the store
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Routine
Found in the ordinary course of events;
A placid everyday scene
It was a routine day
There's nothing quite like a real...train conductor to add color to a quotidian commute
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why might an individual's routine vary from another's?
Individual routines are influenced by personal preferences, lifestyle, and responsibilities, leading to variations that suit each person's needs and goals.
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How are procedures developed and who is responsible for them?
Procedures are developed based on best practices, regulatory standards, and expert input. They are typically created by professionals with expertise in the specific field, and responsibility for them may lie with organizational leaders, department heads, or compliance officers.
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Feb 24, 2024
Is it necessary to follow procedures exactly?
Yes, especially in critical tasks, following procedures exactly as outlined is necessary to achieve the desired outcome and ensure safety.
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Feb 24, 2024
Can routines help in stress reduction?
Yes, routines can reduce stress by creating a sense of predictability and control, making it easier to manage daily tasks and challenges.
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Why are procedures important in professional settings?
Procedures are crucial for ensuring tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and consistently, especially in settings where errors can have serious consequences.
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Feb 24, 2024
How do procedures ensure safety?
Procedures outline specific steps that consider safety standards and best practices, minimizing the risk of accidents or errors.
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Can routines become procedures?
Yes, routines can evolve into procedures if they are formalized and documented, especially when a routine proves effective and needs to be standardized across an organization.
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Feb 24, 2024
What role does documentation play in procedures?
Documentation ensures that procedures are communicated clearly, followed correctly, and can be reviewed or updated as needed.
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Feb 24, 2024
How can routines impact productivity?
Well-established routines can improve productivity by reducing the time and energy spent on deciding what to do next, creating a more efficient workflow.
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Feb 24, 2024
Can a routine become ineffective, and what can be done about it?
Yes, routines can become ineffective if they no longer serve their purpose or become too monotonous. Reevaluating and adjusting routines to incorporate new goals, challenges, or efficiencies can help maintain their effectiveness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 24, 2024
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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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