Strategy vs. Policy: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 7, 2023

Strategy is a plan of action to achieve a goal, while Policy is a set of guidelines or rules governing behavior or decision-making.

Key Differences

Strategy is a designed plan or tactic used to achieve a specific end, whereas Policy refers to a set of principles or guidelines established to influence and guide decision-making or actions.

An organization will use a Strategy to outline the approach and actions necessary to reach its objectives. In contrast, a Policy sets the boundaries or rules within which these actions should occur.

While Strategy focuses on execution and achieving desired outcomes, Policy emphasizes ensuring that actions align with the organization's values, legal parameters, and ethical standards.

A Strategy can be short-term or long-term, adaptable based on the situation. On the other hand, a Policy usually remains consistent over time until the guiding principle or objective changes.

It's essential to understand that while Strategy provides a roadmap towards a goal, Policy offers the framework ensuring the journey adheres to the established norms and standards.

Comparison Chart

Purpose

Plan of action to achieve goals

Guidelines or rules for decision-making

Focus

Execution and results

Consistency and adherence to values

Flexibility

Adaptable based on situation

Typically consistent until objectives change

Duration

Can be short-term or long-term

Generally more long-standing

Relation to Objectives

Directly tied to achieving objectives

Provides the framework for achieving objectives

Strategy and Policy Definitions

Strategy

A planned approach to achieve specific objectives.

The company's marketing Strategy boosted sales by 25%.

Policy

A set of principles guiding decision-making or actions.

The company's refund Policy is very customer-friendly.

Strategy

A tactic or method chosen to bring about a desired outcome.

Their Strategy for growth involved both mergers and organic expansion.

Policy

A statement of intent or a directive providing guidelines.

The government's foreign Policy prioritizes diplomacy.

Strategy

A blueprint outlining how to use resources to achieve goals.

The military Strategy involved a surprise attack at dawn.

Policy

A rule or protocol established to manage certain situations.

The HR Policy mandates yearly performance reviews.

Strategy

A systematic plan designed for a specific purpose.

The chess grandmaster had a Strategy for each opponent.

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.

Strategy

The science and art of using all the forces of a nation to execute approved plans as effectively as possible during peace or war.

Policy

A course of action, guiding principle, or procedure considered expedient, prudent, or advantageous

Honesty is the best policy.

Strategy

The science and art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of large-scale combat operations.

Policy

Prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity in practical matters

It is never good policy to speak rashly.

Strategy

A plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal.

Policy

A written contract or certificate of insurance.

Strategy

The art or skill of using stratagems in endeavors such as politics and business.

Policy

A numbers game.

Strategy

The science and art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of warfare.

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.

Strategy

A plan of action intended to accomplish a specific goal.

Policy

Wise or advantageous conduct; prudence, formerly also with connotations of craftiness.

Strategy

The use of advance planning to succeed in politics or business.

Policy

Specifically, political shrewdness or (formerly) cunning; statecraft.

Strategy

The science of military command, or the science of projecting campaigns and directing great military movements; generalship.

Policy

The grounds of a large country house.

Strategy

The use of stratagem or artifice.

Policy

(obsolete) The art of governance; political science.

Strategy

An elaborate and systematic plan of action

Policy

(obsolete) A state; a polity.

Strategy

The branch of military science dealing with military command and the planning and conduct of a war

Policy

(obsolete) A set political system; civil administration.

Strategy

An art of devising or employing plans to achieve a goal.

With a clear Strategy, the team managed to dominate the league.

Policy

(obsolete) A trick; a stratagem.

Policy

(obsolete) Motive; object; inducement.

Policy

(law)

Policy

A contract of insurance.

Policy

A document containing or certifying this contract.

Your insurance policy covers fire and theft only.

Policy

(obsolete) An illegal daily lottery in late nineteenth and early twentieth century USA on numbers drawn from a lottery wheel (no plural)

Policy

A number pool lottery

Policy

(transitive) To regulate by laws; to reduce to order.

Policy

Civil polity.

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.

Policy

The method by which any institution is administered; system of management; course.

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.

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.

Policy

Motive; object; inducement.

What policy have you to bestow a benefit where it is counted an injury?

Policy

A ticket or warrant for money in the public funds.

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.

Policy

A method of gambling by betting as to what numbers will be drawn in a lottery; as, to play policy.

Policy

To regulate by laws; to reduce to order.

Policy

A line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government;

They debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation

Policy

A plan of action adopted by an individual or social group;

It was a policy of retribution

A politician keeps changing his policies

Policy

Written contract or certificate of insurance;

You should have read the small print on your policy

Policy

A predetermined course of action adopted by an organization or individual.

The school's Policy on bullying is strict and non-negotiable.

Policy

A written document outlining specific procedures or protocols.

The privacy Policy details how personal data is used and protected.

FAQs

Can a company operate without a Strategy?

A company can operate without a clear Strategy, but it might lack direction, unlike a Policy, which is essential for consistent decision-making.

Why is Policy important in an organization?

Policy provides a consistent framework and guidelines, ensuring actions align with the organization's values and objectives.

Which is more flexible between Strategy and Policy?

Strategy tends to be more adaptable based on circumstances, while Policy is generally more fixed.

What’s the key difference between Strategy and Policy?

Strategy is about planning to achieve goals, while Policy sets guidelines for decision-making.

Is a mission statement a Strategy or Policy?

A mission statement isn't directly a Strategy or Policy but informs both by stating the organization's core purpose.

Which is more rigid, Strategy or Policy?

Policy is typically more rigid, providing consistent guidelines, while Strategy can be more fluid and adaptable.

Is a company's culture more aligned with Strategy or Policy?

Company culture can influence both Strategy and Policy but may be more directly reflected in policies that guide behavior and decisions.

Do all businesses have both Strategy and Policy?

Most businesses will have both a Strategy for achieving goals and a Policy for guiding actions and decisions.

Is Strategy more about long-term planning?

Strategy can be both short-term and long-term, while Policy often remains consistent over longer periods.

How does Strategy affect a company's success?

A well-executed Strategy can lead to achieving goals and growth, while Policy ensures actions are taken within acceptable boundaries.

Can Strategy change based on feedback?

Yes, Strategy can be adjusted based on outcomes, while Policy may remain consistent unless there's a change in objectives or principles.

Is Policy always written down?

While best practices recommend having a written Policy, it can also be an unwritten understanding in some cases. Strategy, however, is often documented.

Why is feedback crucial for Strategy?

Feedback helps refine Strategy

Can a Policy be changed frequently?

Policy changes are generally less frequent than Strategy adjustments, ensuring consistency in decision-making.

Can a good Strategy compensate for a weak Policy?

A good Strategy might achieve short-term goals, but a weak Policy can lead to inconsistencies and potential issues in the long run.

How do Strategy and Policy interact?

While Strategy sets the path to reach objectives, Policy ensures actions taken are within defined guidelines.

How are Strategy and Policy communicated in an organization?

Both Strategy and Policy are typically communicated through meetings, documents, training sessions, and other internal channels.

Who is responsible for setting Strategy and Policy in an organization?

Top management usually sets Strategy, while both management and specialized departments can draft Policy.

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Aimie Carlson

Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.