General guidelines: Overview, definition, and example
What are general guidelines?
General guidelines are broad, non-binding recommendations or instructions that provide a framework for behavior, actions, or decisions within a particular context or organization. These guidelines are designed to offer direction on best practices or principles but are typically not enforceable rules. Instead, they serve as helpful suggestions that encourage consistency, efficiency, or compliance with established standards. General guidelines are often used in various fields, including business, law, and policy-making, to promote clarity and uniformity without imposing rigid restrictions.
For example, a company might provide general guidelines on workplace conduct, encouraging employees to maintain professionalism and respect, without outlining specific rules for every possible situation.
Why are general guidelines important?
General guidelines are important because they provide a flexible framework that helps individuals and organizations make decisions or take actions in a consistent manner. They promote best practices, support the achievement of organizational goals, and ensure that employees, stakeholders, or participants are aligned with the broader objectives of an organization or initiative. While not mandatory, general guidelines offer guidance that can reduce confusion, improve efficiency, and help maintain a common understanding of expectations.
In many cases, guidelines are easier to adapt to changing circumstances compared to strict rules, allowing for greater flexibility while still achieving the desired outcomes.
Understanding general guidelines through an example
Imagine a company provides a set of general guidelines for customer service representatives. These guidelines might include being courteous, addressing customer concerns promptly, and following up on unresolved issues. While these are not rigid rules (e.g., they don’t dictate the exact phrases to use in every interaction), they help employees understand the overall expectations for customer service and ensure a consistent experience for clients.
In another example, a non-profit organization might issue general guidelines for volunteers, encouraging them to respect diversity, communicate effectively, and be punctual, but without specifying every action or scenario in which these guidelines should apply.
An example of a general guidelines clause
Here’s how a general guidelines clause might appear in an agreement or policy:
“The Parties agree to follow the general guidelines set forth in this document, which include maintaining open communication, acting with integrity, and promoting a positive environment. These guidelines are intended to promote best practices and should be followed to the extent feasible and appropriate under the circumstances.”
Conclusion
General guidelines provide flexible, broad advice or recommendations that help individuals and organizations achieve desired outcomes while maintaining consistency and alignment with core objectives. Unlike strict rules, they allow for adaptability and offer a practical approach to achieving goals in a variety of contexts. By establishing general guidelines, organizations can encourage positive behavior, promote best practices, and guide decision-making without imposing rigid or inflexible requirements.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.