Whether you administer information technology systems for a nonprofit organization or support end users within a global multinational corporation, policies fulfill a critical role. Restrictive or liberal, policies help eliminate misunderstandings. Effectively implemented, policies ensure every employee understands the behaviors that constitute acceptable use within the organization.
When trouble arises, clearly written policies provide an objective measure for determining whether an employee has violated company policy. In some cases, demonstrating a history of well-enforced policies may limit an organization's liability in the event a wayward employee abuses organization resources.
Knowing where to start can prove difficult, however. Policies exist for almost every topic under the sun. From acceptable dress code to the proper use of the Internet, policies have been written and implemented covering a vast number of topics. Ultimately, the policies that prove important within your organization will depend on its culture, the industry in which it works and other factors.
Almost every organization can benefit from instituting a core set of basic policies, regardless of industry or culture. Leveraging the following five policies helps ensure an organization's systems are used as intended, while also helping prevent security lapses and virus and spyware infestation:
- Internet Usage Policy
- E-mail Usage Policy
- Password Policy
- Instant Messaging Policy
- Software Installation Policy
Print these policies and distribute them within your organization. Or, customize them to meet your specific needs.
