The Writing Format: The Heart of a Policies and Procedures System
34875
Writing & Speaking
Aug 1, 2007
mediawyse
The Writing Format: The Heart of a Policies and Procedures System
The writing format (approach) is a critical component of any successful policies and procedures system. And more importantly, it must be consistently applied across both policies and procedures and must lay out content in an easy-to-read and understood format. Using the adage, "Practice makes perfect" applies in this situation. Practice does not make perfect unless it is a correct practice. Given the same logic, the writing approach is not acceptable unless it meets all the criteria of being both successful and effective. A "writing format" is a structure or outline format for presenting policies and procedures in a logical order that can be easily understood by readers. It lays out the content of any policy or procedure document and presents a logical reading sequence. The section-formatted structure can assure consistency among policy and procedure documents. The ideal writing format is when there is no distinction made between a policy and procedure document. As the reader might guess, this would solve many problems and make publication, communication, and training easier. How is this done? Write a single document, e.g., travel expense report or purchase requisition, and don't name it as a policy or a procedure document. Rather, use a format that contains a policy statement as one of the pre-defined, core sections; now, the guidelines of the document are directed by the embedded policy statement. The readers are pleased with this solution because now they don't have to refer to separate policy and procedure manuals for similar content. In the examples below, the policy statement is the third section of the preferred "pre-defined sections" writing approach format. There are three popular format styles, one of which stands apart from the others: (1) pre-defined sections; (2) free-flowing role structure or Playscript; and (3) free-flowing writing. The third format approach, free-flowing writing, is really no format at all. Unfortunately, many companies today use this "free-flowing writing" format (probably due to their lack of knowing that a writing format template does exist). In this format, the content is written in a random, inconsistent manner. The reader is never certain about the starting or ending point of the policy or procedure document. This method is often referred to as the "Paragraph-style" of writing and generally leaves the reader guessing the purpose and importance of the policy or procedure document. This is NOT the behavior the policy and procedures writer wants from the reader. The second format, the "free flowing role structure," is often referred to as "Playscript." Literally, "Playscript" refers to dialogue, a dramatic composition, or a screenplay. Policy and procedure writers use the "role" method adapted from the Playscript format where the role is stated in the first column and the action is stated in the second column of a two-column layout. Proponents of this format argue that the reader doesn't need to know everything about the "who, why, what, where, and how" of every policy or procedure document. Opponents, in contrast, argue that the Playscript method is cumbersome and leaves the reader clueless as to the intent of the policy or procedure document. This is simply not a good format for documenting business processes. The first discussed format, "Pre-Defined Sections" is the easiest format approach for the reader to understand because the format consists of pre-defined, pre-approved sections that are used in every policy or procedure written and published. Consistency is quickly achieved. The seven core sections of the "Pre-Defined Writing Format" are Purpose, Scope, Policy, Definitions, Responsibilities, Procedures, and Revision History. Content, properly added into these sections, provide the "who, what, why, where, and how" of business processes and help to make up the substance of policies and procedures alike. Depending on the industry, the policy and procedures writer might add sections, e.g., background, references, or disciplinary actions for non-compliance. A policy and procedure system without a consistently designed, and applied, writing approach is mostly viewed as broken, obsolete, or ignored by its readers. The writing approach includes the mechanism for capturing ideas, workflows, solutions, forms, and any supplemental information about business processes, in one place. An effective writing format template contains the same core sections each and every time; there is never a deviation.
For the best assistance in writing your own policies and procedures look no further then provider CompanyManuals.com. Visit them online to browse book selections on how to write policies and procedures and start writing your own company policies and procedures today with detailed step-by-step directions and sample plans.
send email to mediawyse
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links at Writing & Speaking
The art of conversation can greatly enhance a person's ability to deliver a high quality speech whenever he is called upon to do so. Increase your ease of communication with this helpful information.
Category:
There is much confusion over the proper use of serial commas. It is generally accepted in today's writing to include the final serial comma before the conjunction and the final word or phase in the series.
Category:
Did you know there is an increasing demand for freelance writers as the ever expanding world wide web grows hungrier for fresh content?
Category:
I have scanned the intenet to locate the best home based business ideas,opportunities and resources that will allow you work at home successfully..
Category:
Tips on how to prepare and deliver a great speech time and time again and even at a moment's notice.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68228
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
