It strikes me that in any organization there are two facets which we must keep very clear as being very different and distinct.
Doctrine is what the organization believes. The basic beliefs that drive the organization which almost never change. To an organization doctrine defines: Who we are and what we are; What we believe; These basic principles which the organization will follow. Most notably, a doctrine can be seen in religious organizations, but doctrine exists in all organizations. In business and service organizations it is not called doctrine, usually. It is called an organizational behavior or simply, "the way we do business," but nonetheless it is the doctrine by which an organization functions; the basic underlying belief system upon which the organization predicts the daily operation.
On the other hand, policy is the way an organization is functioning at the present; the day-to-day practices dictate operations. Policy changes. It may not change rapidly, but it does change.
A basic difference...
A basic difference between doctrine and policy is that doctrine is, in a sense, the basic, underlying "truth" to the organization. Policy is, in a sense, simply a functional matter of dealing with the world around us. It is important to recognize the difference. The problem is that many people who are in charge of organizations either do not recognize the difference or they are not careful when they talk, preach, discuss with their disciples (members, employees, soldiers, etc) to clarify the difference. In other words, often, policy is given out as some sort of doctrine. In a religious organization policy may be discussed as if it were "thus sayeth the Lord."
Doctrine is like the commandments God has given in a religious setting, and He expects them to be followed and his commandments are not likely to change anytime soon. In a business
setting, doctrine (directives) is laid down by he CEO or board, and these directives are expected to be followed. One can be fired for intentional, contrary behavior.
Policy, on the other hand, is simply how we function today. Policy in a religious setting may
change from time to time even though it may change slowly. Policy in a business setting may change more rapidly, depending upon business climate and changes in leadership.
The problem I see between doctrine and policy is that many leaders who discuss with their underlings (members, subordinates) about what they should do, fail to differentiate doctrine and policy. This failure may occur for several reasons:
1. Perhaps the leader does not recognize that there is a difference.
2. Perhaps the leader does not recognize that the subject they discuss requires a difference.
3. Perhaps the leader does recognize the requirement, but do not want to bring up the issue. (Maybe the leader wants the people to view the discussion as a "thus saith the Lord" issue though it is not).
4. Perhaps the leader just failed to explain the policy in reasonable terminology so that people understand.
The problem is that a false understanding can develop. Members/employees/etc then behave based upon lies and incorrect information with the resulting damage to the organization, as well as damage to the individual. Each of us who are members of religious, business, service organizations or other types of organizations need to do our best to be clear about the difference of what in the organization is doctrine and what in the organization is policy. When we function based upon the truth, each person's individual stability and production is greatly enhanced with the resulting effect of the organization's stability and production being greatly strengthened. Life becomes much more comfortable, positive, and easy.
It bothers me when people pass off that which is policy as if it were doctrine. It is not that policy is less important to follow. Indeed, policy is important to follow. But what bothers me is the person is learning an incorrect principle. The person is learning that this policy is some sort of doctrine which then clearly conflicts at some point with some true doctrine. The resultant confusion creates a situation were it becomes easier for the person to believe that the organization or the religion is wrong. That person is at risk to fall away or change jobs. The person is at risk to give up what is really an excellent situation for them because of the confusion that is caused by these kinds of incorrect and detrimental discussion from leadership, or other people in the organization.
A personal example. I belong to conservative religious organization. About a year ago some of the lower level leadership (not the top leadership) was going around telling the male members they should not have facial hair. It as told in a manner that if the male had facial hair, he was likely headed to Hell--sort of a "thus saith the Lord" approach, right!?! Perhaps it is better that we males do not have raggy facial hair and look like a bunch of low lifes, but to foist this off as doctrine seemed wrong to me. Especially since every picture of Christ in my church shows him with a beard and long hair. So while it may be best not to have facial hair and not look like low lifes, facial hair is certainly not a doctrinal issue denoting the gateway to Hell. Trouble was, I am certain some of the males became confused at this and it may have lessened someone's strength for the Savior. And for what: Some particular leader's own personal distaste for facial hair.
The same type of problem can occur in business.
I think you see my point. Understand the difference between doctrine and policy and teach the difference to others.