Differences between Policies and Tactics

Definition of Policy

Policies are broad guidelines which direct the future course of the business.

Definition of Tactics

Tactics are micro-level actions which which contribute for the achievement of policies and organizational objectives.

Differences between Policies and Tactics

The following table presents the differences between policies and tactics.

Policies Tactics
1. Policies are broad guidelines 1. Tactics are micro level — activities or actions. They are specific methods used to achieve the policies.
2. Policies are concerned with thinking 2. Tactics are concerned with a specific area of operation. They are action — oriented
3. Policies are concerned with the long-range planning 3. Tactics deal with immediate problem like decline in sales.
4. Scope of the policies is wide, broad and of long-range 4. Scope of the tactics is narrow, specific and of very short-range.
5. Policies are over all guide for the entire business and external environment. 5. Tactics are developed to utilise available resources in the best possible manner.
6. Policy implementation and delegation of authority for implementation depend upon the size of the firm. 6. Tactics are executed by the junior executives. Their responsibilities are clear and specific.
7. Policies are generally mission oriented. 7. Tactics are goal and target oriented
8. Policies give birth to strategies hence policies are primary 8. Strategies give birth to tactics. Therefore, tactics are primarily derived from policies.
9. Policies are drawn at estimating the future availability of different kinds of resources like financial, human and material. 9. Tactics are concerned with the mobilisation and utilisation of presently available resources.
10. Main role of policies is to guide and direct the future course of the business. 10. Role of Tactics is to solve the present/existing problems.
11. Policies are future oriented 11. Tactics are current — oriented.
12. Policies are stable but not rigid. 12. Tactics are formulated to suit the requirements of each problem separately.
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