Which statement best defines a directive versus guidance in planning?

Which statement best defines a directive versus guidance in planning?

• A. Directive is recommendation; Guidance is mandatory instruction.
• B. Directive is direction that suggests how to proceed; Guidance is random.
• C. Directive is mandatory instruction; Guidance is direction that suggests how to proceed; Example: follow a standard procedure (directive) vs use recommended alternatives (guidance).
• D. Directive and guidance are the same.

Answer: (C)

In planning, a directive is a mandatory instruction that must be followed, while guidance offers recommended approaches or options that you may consider but are not required to implement. This distinction matters because it clarifies what action is required versus what is suggested. The example helps lock this in: following a standard procedure is a directive because it prescribes a specific, non-negotiable way to act. Using recommended alternatives is guidance because it presents preferred options but leaves the final choice up to judgment. Other statements misstate the relationship: one flips the roles, describing a directive as a recommendation and guidance as mandatory; another treats guidance as random; and another claims they are the same.

In planning, a directive is a mandatory instruction that must be followed, while guidance offers recommended approaches or options that you may consider but are not required to implement. This distinction matters because it clarifies what action is required versus what is suggested.

The example helps lock this in: following a standard procedure is a directive because it prescribes a specific, non-negotiable way to act. Using recommended alternatives is guidance because it presents preferred options but leaves the final choice up to judgment.

Other statements misstate the relationship: one flips the roles, describing a directive as a recommendation and guidance as mandatory; another treats guidance as random; and another claims they are the same.