guideline

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{{Wiktionary|guideline}}

A guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. It aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice.{{cite web |title=Guideline |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/guideline |website=dictionary.cambridge.org |publisher=Cambridge English Dictionary |access-date=20 April 2019 |language=en}} They may be issued by and used by any organization (governmental or private) to make the actions of its employees or divisions more predictable, and presumably of higher quality. A guideline is similar to a rule, but are legally less binding as justified deviations are possible.{{cite web |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/research-development/scientific-guidelines |title=Scientific guidelines |date=11 September 2008 |publisher=European Medicines Agency |access-date=2022-01-22}}