Advantages of Rules

In addition to the general societal advantage of rules referred to above, the organization and its employees can derive the following benefits from the institution and observation of rules.

1) Rules standardize behaviour and provides the organization the uniqueness which projects its mission and identity. The rule requiring soldiers to salute any senior officer portrays the regimental nature of the military establishment. Similarly, the rule requiring that members of a religious order (e.g. a convent) must always wear robes emphasizes the moral ethic of the order.

2) Rules provide the member of the group with a sense of security. One knows in advance what one is expected to do or not to do. One can also predict how others are likely to behave towards you in the workplace. A rule prohibiting rough play gives the weaker members of the group a measure of safety and institutional protection.

3) Rules also save time as the manager knows in advance what course of action to take in the event of breaches and infractions. A rule usually provides the punitive measure applicable when broken. The manager need not think and weigh in search of a course of action.

4) Rules related to asset use minimize costs of breakage and insurance compensation claims. A rule would specify, for example, that some particular employee is the only person authorized to operate a particular machine. This ensures the safety of the machine and the other workers who might not be quite conversant with the mechanics of the machine but would have nevertheless tried to operate it.