Difference Between Process and Procedure

Process and procedure – two very similar words that puzzle many people. You too, no doubt, think that the difference between process and procedure is well-known to you. Are you confident enough with the answer? So, what is the difference between process and procedure?

In simple language, the process is about giving information and receiving results, whereas the procedure is about how the process is consumed. This implies that to define a process, we need to talk about “what” is achieved, whereas the procedure focuses on “how” it is achieved.

The particularity of both approaches can be deduced from planning flowcharts. The process includes steps for drawing conclusions from the data provided. For example, to explain a process, we can formulate a flowchart and illustrate the various steps in the process. Given this latter concept, flowcharts are not conceivable. The process is an in-depth analysis of how an action is implemented. This means that the explanation of a procedure will require a more detailed formulated description rather than flowcharts.

Let’s understand better with an explanation. Suppose a beauty salon is in vogue for haircuts. The process involved will begin with the client’s desire for a unique hairstyle. After the client’s request, the salon staff will begin the following operations. This will involve watering the hair to dry it, choosing the best equipment for the cut, and then cut the hair according to the client’s request. Procedural activities may include greeting clients. Making them comfortable, etc.

Thus, a correct procedure will have a great impact on popularity as well as on the clients’ dependence on the salon business. If the procedure does not go well, for example, if the customer is not treated well, the fair risks losing one of its customers. On the other hand, the customer’s good experience will be impaired if the methodologies are followed precisely. It is said that a process is concluded the second the client’s haircut choice is recorded.

Are you puzzled? Let’s try to better understand the difference between these two words by examining them one by one.

Definition of Process

So what is the definition of the process? The process is a set of interconnected actions that convert inputs into outputs. As human beings, we work within this framework to achieve a specific goal. It is defined to save time, to help partners and to mitigate possible errors.

It can, therefore, be beneficial to a business to be consumed in a superior way through proper planning and application. It is not limited to a special unit. The process can be a union of several sections and consists of one or more plans.

Definition of Procedure

Let us discuss what is the definition of procedure? Procedure is a stated or detailed means of how a particular action is to be carried out. It can be described as a set of steps that people must follow to complete a task. It is more oriented towards the satisfaction of rules. It cannot be changed. They must be completed in a specific order so that we get consistent results.

Process vs Procedure Comparison Table

Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Process vs Procedure

The discussion above might have helped you to get a better sense of the difference between process and procedure. The information above has made us understand that describing a process means telling what is being implemented.

On the contrary, describing a process means saying how it is implemented. Although these two terms are different, they are related to each other in one way or another. For the perfect functioning of any sector or office, perfect execution of the system’s process and procedures is crucial.

Without following acceptable procedures, a business can go bankrupt. Similarly, a poor approach to the execution of a process can also lead to blunders. For example, the process v/s procedure is not competitive. The completion of both actions is of equal importance.