‘ policy level ’

A Risk Sciences International glossary definition (Last modifed: December 15, 2023)

policy level

« Back to Glossary Index

In both governmental and corporate settings, the term “policy” serves as a guiding principle or set of rules designed to influence decisions and actions. However, the scope, objectives, and mechanisms of implementation differ in each context.

In the governmental sense, a policy is typically a course of action or a set of principles adopted by a government to achieve specific social, economic, or political outcomes. These policies often have wider societal implications and may include initiatives such as healthcare reform, education policies, or environmental regulations. Governmental policies are usually developed through a democratic process, involving multiple stakeholders, such as legislators, policy analysts, and the general public. They are often codified into laws and regulations, with compliance being mandatory and enforceable through legal means.

In a corporate context, a policy serves as an internal guideline or rule within an organization. These can range from human resource policies regarding employee conduct to operational policies on how a particular process should be executed. Corporate policies are typically not subject to public vote but are devised by those in managerial or executive positions. They serve the objective of streamlining organizational behavior in alignment with the company’s goals, mission, or legal obligations. Non-compliance usually results in internal repercussions, such as disciplinary action, rather than legal penalties.

To summarize, while both governmental and corporate policies serve as frameworks for decision-making and behavior, they differ in scope, objectives, development process, and mechanisms for enforcement. Governmental policies tend to be broader, socially-oriented, and legally binding, whereas corporate policies are more specific, goal-oriented, and enforceable through internal mechanisms.

Related Articles:
  • RSI and Engineers Canada develop on-line training courses
  • Melvin Andersen
    Dr. Andersen's illustrious 45-year career in toxicology and risk assessment includes key positions such as Chief Science Officer at The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences and Professor of Environmental Health at Colorado State University. His significant contributions include developing biologically realistic models for toxic chemical and drug effects, notably in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, advancing the field of chemical risk assessment. Dr. Andersen's prolific research output consists of over 500 papers and book chapters, earning him prestigious awards like the Lehman and Merit Awards from the US Society of Toxicology and the Mildred S. Christian Award from the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.
  • RSI launches Global Risk Census
  • Patricia Larkin
    Dr. Patricia Larkin's career is dedicated to policy and regulatory assessments, focusing on the intersection of social determinants of health and health equity. Her expertise lies in managing human health and environmental risks, particularly in energy, water resources, and climate change. Patricia's research explores Canadian innovation in energy regulatory decision-making and its impact on risk management. She has led interdisciplinary international research projects, addressing risk management in public decision-making and environmental issues like carbon capture and storage. As Chair of the Applied Risk Management Specialty Group of the Society for Risk Analysis, she continues to contribute to this field.
  • RSI paper on Manganese PBPK selected as a top 2017 paper
  • RSI speaks to The Weather Network about wildfires and climate
  • Decision making framework developed for Canadian Blood Services (CBS) now online
  • IAI climate change report
  • Quinolones and risk of retinal detachment
  • Ila Cote
    Dr. Cote boasts over 35 years of expertise in public health risk assessment and environmental management. She advises governments and industries on chemical exposure risks and risk assessment implementation. An adjunct professor at the University of Colorado, she educates on environmental health, risk assessment, and public policy. Dr. Cote also teaches risk assessment at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on cancer, respiratory diseases, and enhancing risk assessment methods. She spent 27 years at the US Environmental Protection Agency, serving in roles like Senior Science Advisor, Division Director, and Associate Laboratory Director. Dr. Cote's influence extends globally, advising organizations like the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health.
  • Cookie Policy (EU)
  • Privacy Statement (EU)
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
  • Privacy Statement (UK)
  • Opt-out preferences
  • Privacy Statement (US)
  • Cookie Policy (CA)
  • Privacy Statement (CA)
  • Risk of Myocarditis and Pericarditis
  • Paul Stanish
    Paul Stanish holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Carleton University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanotechnology from the University of Waterloo. His doctoral research focused on energy movement in semiconducting oxides. Paul has experience in analytical chemistry and has developed Android applications for risk management in options trading. He joined Risk Sciences International in 2021, focusing on leveraging emerging tools to modernize client understanding of risk and streamline data culture.
  • Training Seminar in Systematic Review
  • Peter Aggett
    Dr. Peter Aggett, a Pediatrician specializing in Gastroenterology, Metabolism, and Chemical Pathology, focuses on essential trace elements in health and disease. He holds the position of Emeritus Head at Lancashire School of Health and Postgraduate Medicine and is a Professor of Child Health and Nutrition at the University of Central Lancashire. His extensive career includes roles in public health nutrition, nutrient risk assessment, and food safety, contributing to scientific advisory committees worldwide. Following retirement, Dr. Aggett continued as an External Expert for EFSA, reviewing Dietary Reference Values for essential micronutrients.
  • Paul Price
    With 45 years of experience in exposure and risk assessment, Dr. Paul Price has worked with diverse organizations, including the U.S. EPA and Dow Chemical. Specializing in mixture risk assessments, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa and serves on the European Food Safety Authority’s committee on combined exposures. A prolific author, Dr. Price is currently focused on publications concerning mixture risk assessment and the Mixture Adjustment Factor.
  • Safety Profiles of Newer Contraceptives presented at meeting of Society of Reproductive Investigation
  • Principles of risk decision-making
    RSI investigators propose fundamental principles of risk decision-making, and explore their application in a range of real-world risk decision-making contexts. These ten principles will provide valuable guidance on addressing current and future risk issues facing civil societies worldwide.
Categories: scientific and technical
« Back to Glossary Index