What is the purpose of Principles, Policies, and Procedures in a governance system?

The purpose of Principles, Policies, and Procedures in a governance system is fundamentally about translating desired behaviors and strategic objectives into actionable guidance. This means that these elements serve as a blueprint for decision-making and operational actions within an organization. Principles establish high-level guidelines that reflect the organization’s core values and goals; policies provide more specific guidelines that dictate how those principles should be followed in practice; and procedures lay out the step-by-step instructions necessary to implement the policies effectively.

By translating behavioral expectations into practical steps, the governance framework can ensure consistency and clarity throughout the organization. This alignment helps facilitate the achievement of organizational objectives and fosters a transparent governance culture where everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Such clarity is essential in guiding staff actions and decision-making to ensure that the organization operates in a cohesive manner toward its strategic goals.