A Policy vs. The Law

Attribute	A Policy	The Law
Origin	Created by organizations or institutions	Created by government bodies
Enforcement	Enforced by the organization or institution that created it	Enforced by government authorities
Scope	Can be specific to an organization or issue	Applies to a broader population or jurisdiction
Flexibility	Can be more easily changed or updated	Can be more difficult to change
Consequences	May have internal consequences within an organization	Can have legal consequences if violated

Definition

A policy is a set of guidelines or rules that are put in place by an organization or government to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Policies are often created to address a particular issue or problem and provide a framework for decision-making and action. On the other hand, the law refers to a system of rules that are enforced by a government or other authority to regulate behavior and ensure justice and order in society.

Authority

Policies are typically created and enforced by organizations or governments within their own jurisdiction. They are not legally binding in the same way that laws are, but they can still have a significant impact on behavior and outcomes. Laws, on the other hand, are created and enforced by a government or legal authority and are legally binding on individuals and organizations within a particular jurisdiction.

Scope

Policies are often more specific and targeted than laws, focusing on a particular issue or area of concern. They can be created at the organizational level, such as within a company or government agency, or at a higher level, such as by a government or international organization. Laws, on the other hand, are generally broader in scope and apply to a wider range of behaviors and situations.

Enforcement

Policies are typically enforced through internal mechanisms within an organization or government, such as disciplinary actions or incentives. While policies may not have the same legal weight as laws, they can still be enforced effectively through these mechanisms. Laws, on the other hand, are enforced by legal authorities, such as police and courts, and violations can result in legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.

Flexibility

Policies are often more flexible and can be adapted or changed more easily than laws. Organizations and governments can update or revise policies in response to changing circumstances or new information. Laws, on the other hand, are generally more difficult to change and require a formal legislative process to amend or repeal.

Public Input

Policies may be developed with input from stakeholders, such as employees, customers, or community members, but this is not always the case. Policies can be created unilaterally by an organization or government without input from those affected. Laws, on the other hand, are typically developed through a more formal process that includes public input, debate, and approval by elected officials.

Consequences

Violating a policy may result in consequences within an organization, such as losing privileges or facing disciplinary action. However, the consequences of violating a policy are generally not as severe as those for violating a law. Breaking the law can result in criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

Interplay

Policies and laws can interact in complex ways, with policies sometimes serving to implement or enforce laws. For example, a government may create a policy to regulate a specific industry in accordance with existing laws. In other cases, policies may go beyond what is required by law to promote certain values or goals. Overall, policies and laws work together to shape behavior and outcomes in society.