A. M Sufian wanted to understand the difference between policy, planning and strategy. There have been a long debate about there meaning. I agree there are differences but not yet clear what comes first? I suppose first you adopt a strategy to reach the goal and accordingly design policy and based on policy you make detail plans to achieve objectives. Could it be other way round?
It is a difficult question to answer but I think the order should be: policy, strategy and then planning. First you formulate a policy which is the principles or the protocols to guide decisions and next we can make a strategy and finally a detailed plan to achieve the strategy.
It is a difficult question, indeed. They are all closely inter-related, and are all products of the process of planning. Yet, I agree more with the Mr. Akter's opinion. Strategy is a product of the process of planning, and it is defined as a long-term plan. Regarding the policy, if we define it as “deliberate course of action based on a definite plan or program created through a process of thought and reason” with goals, means, implements and constraints as it’s’ elements (Halcrow, 1984), then it would follow the strategy and the goals defined in it. The short and mid-term plans and programs are used for more detailed planning of the goals and objectives defined in the strategy. So they could come as more operational means for implementing the strategy (and policy adopted).
I had a similar question earlier.
Have a look at it you will find a lot of interesting contributions
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_difference_between_a_fisheries_management_plan_FMP_a_fisheries_strategy_and_a_fisheries_policy
Realistically, all of these are going on in the Ministry all the time, and are influencing each other. Seldom does one get the chance to develop entirely new policy, and even then one must build on what is already happening. Even when one does present entirely new policy, everybody reads it with minds affected by what is going on already, and this influences which parts are actually implemented.
For me, data must come first, then, create a strategy for delivering a policy and plans to be implemented. Good data---> good strategy -----> good policy :)
I think if based on the guiding principles in the ISO. The first step is to identify the issues/problems that you want to solve and tackle. From there set your targets and goals. Formulate the policy based on your goals, make sure the policy guides your direction. Then comes the Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation and Review and improvement.
The term “policy” is derived from the Greek words politeia and polic, referring to state and citizenship, and the Latin word politia, which means “administration of the commonwealth”. Therefore, policy refers to the: 1- regulation of morals, 2- social order, 3- safety and welfare of a “body politic” (that is, an organisation, a community, state or nation). More broadly, policy represents the principles that guide present and future decisions. In short “a course of action or inaction chosen by public authorities to address a given problem or an interrelated set of problems” (Pal, 1997).
Policy is preparation of memoranda, issue papers, policy papers, or draft legislation while strategy is to design a unique plan.
Furthermore, “policy” is to express the broad purposes or goals of government activity(ies) in a particular field, often giving some indication of a desired state of affairs.
So, in the light of above reference and narration policy comes first, then strategy is formulated accordingly to achieve goals and objectives.
Presently, its my opinion and thought. I'll ponder more at this dilemma.
Muhammad Jamil,
Deputy Medical Superintendent/
Director, Department of,
Total Quality Health Management,
Mayo Hospital, Lahore
e-Mail: [email protected]
Qualifications:
1- Dip. Hospital Administration & HRM
2- M. Phil. TQM
3- Ph. D. Scholar: Management Sciences
A strategy must follow policy if it already exists like in ministories, countries or organization.
If there is not policy relavent to that strategy then making a policy could be part of that strategy; for instance, establishing an NGOs and hostpitals etc. However there would still be certain International pranciples or policy that should be followed.
here are already a policy then it influence stra
The step before planning is decision making.
It means policy making is first and then strategic planning can be run. Policy making is related to decision making aspect.
1. Philosophy- values and principles
2. Policy- regulations and guidelines
3. Strategy- action plan
4. Structure- allocation of responsibilities and resources
I have adopted this sequence with philosophy coming first followed by policy, strategy and structure as the last but not the least.
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