Policies stand as the backbone of both organisational and societal structures, offering a set of guidelines or rules designed to steer decisions and achieve rational outcomes. They encapsulate a broad spectrum, from overarching national legislation to specific organisational regulations, serving as a crucial framework for decision-making and action towards targeted goals. My exploration across various organisational sizes, industries, and countries has deepened my understanding of policy relevance, highlighting its multifaceted importance.

• Direction and Consistency: Policies ensure a uniform approach across an organisation or society, guiding behaviour and decisions to align with overarching goals.
• Accountability: By setting clear standards, policies facilitate accountability, allowing for the evaluation of actions and behaviours against defined benchmarks.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Clear guidelines streamline processes, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness by minimising ambiguity.
• Risk Management: Policies play a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating risks and safeguarding stakeholder interests.
• Legal Compliance: They ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating legal risks and penalties.

Indian Context 

In India, policies address the nation’s diverse socio-economic fabric, focusing on inclusive growth and equitable development. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 exemplifies this, aiming to revitalise the educational framework to meet 21st-century demands. The burgeoning IT sector’s rise necessitates policies like data protection, reflecting the evolving priorities in a digital age.

New Zealand Context

New Zealand’s policy landscape prioritises environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and social welfare. Progressive initiatives like the Zero Carbon Act illustrate the country’s commitment to combating climate change, while policies concerning the Maori people emphasise the preservation and integration of indigenous cultures into the national identity.

Australian Context

Australia’s policies mirror its focus on environmental stewardship, immigration balance, and economic prosperity. The nation’s unique biodiversity and climate challenges drive its environmental policies, while its immigration framework seeks to harmonise economic growth with social cohesion. Delving into policies for employee safety in manufacturing sectors revealed the intricate balance between operational efficiency and worker protection.

In addressing the policy landscapes of India, New Zealand, and Australia, my work has also encompassed a wide array of policies aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive, and efficient workplace. This includes developing and implementing policies for secure information storage, employee growth and well-being, such as Training and Development, and Travel and Expense Reimbursement.

I have contributed to establishing a safe and equitable work environment through policies like the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and Flexible Work Arrangements. The introduction of the Performance Management Policy and Drug and Alcohol Policy underscores our commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct. Through these initiatives, I’ve aimed to foster a workplace that not only meets operational needs but also supports and develops its workforce, ensuring a culture of professionalism, safety, and inclusivity.

The journey of policy development is inherently dynamic, requiring adaptability to evolving circumstances and emerging insights. The distinct cultural, social, and economic landscapes of India, New Zealand, and Australia significantly shape their policy priorities and approaches, underscoring the critical role of policies in navigating the complexities of modern governance and organisational management. I have learned so much trying to study and understand while also changing context with moving time, which has been an invaluable part of my growth and understanding in this field.