Scheme vs. Policy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Scheme typically refers to a detailed plan or arrangement for achieving a particular goal, while policy is a set of guidelines or principles that guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes.
Key Differences
Scheme often implies a complex or devious plan, particularly one designed to achieve a certain goal, often in a way that is not immediately obvious. It involves specific steps and methods. Policy, on the other hand, is more about governing principles or rules that guide decisions and actions within an organization or system. Policies are generally broader in scope and provide a framework for consistent decision-making.
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Nov 29, 2023
In the context of organizations or governments, a scheme is usually a specific program or plan, often with a specific target or purpose, such as a housing scheme or a pension scheme. These are actionable plans with clear steps and objectives. Conversely, a policy represents the overarching principles or guidelines that govern such schemes. Policies set the direction and boundaries within which multiple schemes can operate.
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Nov 29, 2023
Schemes are often temporary or project-specific, created to address a particular issue or to achieve a specific goal within a limited time frame. They are execution-oriented. Policies, in contrast, are more enduring, providing a consistent approach to decision-making and actions over a longer period. They are strategic in nature.
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Nov 29, 2023
The creation of a scheme often involves detailed planning and resource allocation, focusing on the practical aspects of implementation. It is action-oriented. A policy, however, is typically created through a process of evaluation and deliberation, focusing on what should be done and why. It is principle-oriented.
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Nov 29, 2023
In a nutshell, while a scheme refers to a specific plan with a clear set of actions, a policy refers to a broader set of guidelines or principles that inform and shape such plans. Schemes are often the means of implementing policies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A detailed plan or arrangement for achieving a specific goal.
A set of guidelines or principles for decision-making.
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Scope
Specific, often with a narrow focus.
Broad, providing overall guidance.
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Duration
Usually temporary or project-specific.
Typically long-term and enduring.
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Orientation
Execution and action-oriented.
Strategic and principle-oriented.
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Purpose
To achieve a specific goal or address a specific issue.
To guide decisions and actions in a consistent manner.
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Scheme and Policy Definitions
Scheme
A systematic plan for a specific purpose.
The new marketing scheme successfully boosted sales.
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Policy
A course of action adopted by a government, party, business, or individual.
The new environmental policy aims to reduce carbon emissions.
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Scheme
A structured arrangement or method.
The company introduced a new scheme for employee benefits.
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Nov 29, 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
Scheme
An underhanded plot or plan.
The villain’s scheme to steal the diamond was foiled by the detective.
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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
Scheme
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
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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
Scheme
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
An irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
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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
Policy
Wise or advantageous conduct; prudence, formerly also with connotations of craftiness.
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Policy
Specifically, political shrewdness or (formerly) cunning; statecraft.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scheme
(astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
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Scheme
(mathematics) A mathematical structure that enlarges the notion of algebraic variety in several ways, such as taking account of multiplicities and allowing "varieties" defined over any commutative ring (e.g. Fermat curves over the integers).
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Scheme
(internet) Part of a uniform resource identifier indicating the protocol or other purpose, such as
http: or news:.Shumaila Saeed
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Policy
A document containing or certifying this contract.
Your insurance policy covers fire and theft only.
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Scheme
A portfolio of pension plans with related benefits comprising multiple independent members.
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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
Scheme
A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
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Scheme
A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
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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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Scheme
Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
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Policy
The method by which any institution is administered; system of management; course.
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Scheme
A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
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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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Scheme
To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
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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
Scheme
A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole;
A vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
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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
Scheme
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
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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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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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Scheme
A design or pattern, especially in art or architecture.
The color scheme of the room was calming and well-coordinated.
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Nov 29, 2023
Policy
Principles that guide decision-making and behavior.
The company’s refund policy is customer-friendly.
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Nov 29, 2023
Scheme
A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect.
The government launched a scheme for affordable housing.
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Policy
A written contract of insurance.
She reviewed her life insurance policy thoroughly.
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Policy
A deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve outcomes.
The school's policy on bullying is strict and well-enforced.
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Nov 29, 2023
Policy
A stance or position adopted in respect to something.
The government's foreign policy has shifted in recent years.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a policy?
A set of guidelines or principles that govern decisions and actions.
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Nov 29, 2023
How detailed is a scheme?
Schemes are typically quite detailed, outlining specific actions and resources.
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Nov 29, 2023
What is a scheme?
A detailed plan or program designed to achieve a specific purpose.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are policies legally binding?
Policies themselves are not legal documents, but they can be based on legal requirements.
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Who creates policies?
Policies are usually created by governments, organizations, or business leaders.
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Nov 29, 2023
How are schemes implemented?
Through specific actions and steps outlined in the plan.
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Can a scheme exist without a policy?
Generally, schemes are developed within the framework of a policy, but they can be standalone for specific projects.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is a policy a law?
Not necessarily; policies guide actions but are not laws themselves.
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Can a scheme be part of a larger policy?
Yes, schemes often function as parts of broader policies.
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Nov 29, 2023
Who benefits from a scheme?
The target group for which the scheme is designed, such as employees, citizens, etc.
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Are schemes always successful?
Success depends on various factors, including design, implementation, and context.
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Can individuals have personal policies?
Yes, individuals can have personal principles or guidelines they follow.
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Do schemes always align with policies?
Ideally, schemes should align with the overarching policies.
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Can a scheme be modified?
Yes, schemes can be adapted based on feedback or changing circumstances.
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What happens when a policy is violated?
This can lead to disciplinary actions, legal consequences, or other forms of accountability.
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Are schemes only used in business?
No, schemes are used in various contexts, including government, education, and non-profit sectors.
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Nov 29, 2023
How do policies affect everyday life?
Policies can shape various aspects of life, from workplace rules to government regulations.
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Can policies change frequently?
Policies tend to be more stable but can change to reflect new information or contexts.
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How are policies enforced?
Through organizational or governmental mechanisms, sometimes with penalties for non-compliance.
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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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