__________ are general statements that guide thinking or channelise energies towards a particular direction.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Policy
Option (1) Strategy — Incorrect. A strategy is a complete plan for achieving the organisation’s objectives, made while keeping the business environment in mind. It is a plan of action, not a general guide to thinking.
Option (2) Objective — Incorrect. An objective is the end result the organisation wants to reach. It says where to go, not how to think on the way.
Option (3) Policy — Correct. A policy is a general statement that guides thinking and decisions in one direction, for example a recruitment policy or a pricing policy. Within it, managers still use their own judgement.
Option (4) Rules — Incorrect. A rule says what must or must not be done, with no room for judgement, for example ‘No smoking’. A policy leaves room for judgement; a rule does not.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Policy Policies are general statements that guide thinking or channelise energies towards a particular direction. Policies provide a basis for interpreting strategy which is usually stated in general terms. …” “Rule Rules are specific statements that inform what is to be done. They do not allow for any flexibility or discretion. …” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 23-05 S2 | 13-05 S2 | – | 14-06 S1 | – |