Directive vs. Instruction: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 16, 2023
A directive is a broad order or mandate often guiding strategy or policy; an instruction is a specific step or guideline on how to perform a task.
Key Differences
A directive typically comes from a higher authority and serves as an official or formal order, providing general guidance on a policy, principle, or strategy. For instance, a government might issue a directive on public health measures. On the other hand, an instruction is more detailed and focuses on the "how-to" aspects, guiding the recipient step-by-step in a specific task or procedure, like a recipe providing instructions for baking a cake.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
When an organization wishes to implement a new policy, it often begins with a directive to inform its members about the overarching goal or change. This directive might not include detailed steps but will offer a general direction. In contrast, an instruction follows this by breaking down the directive into actionable steps, ensuring that the members know precisely what is required of them.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
In legal and bureaucratic settings, a directive often has a binding nature, mandating that certain actions be taken or prohibiting specific activities. For example, a company might have a directive against workplace harassment. In comparison, instructions are often seen in manuals, guides, and handbooks, explaining processes and procedures to ensure correct execution.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
While directive and instruction both imply guidance of some sort, their scope and specificity differ. A directive is about providing a direction, often broad, while an instruction focuses on the finer details, ensuring that a task is executed correctly and efficiently.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Binding Nature
Often binding in legal or bureaucratic settings
Not necessarily binding, but expected to be followed for accuracy
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Directive and Instruction Definitions
Directive
A communication that conveys a broad goal or strategy.
The department received a new directive for improving customer relations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
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Instruction
A direction or order.
He gave clear instructions to arrive before 9 am.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Directive
A principle or policy that guides decisions.
The company's environmental directive emphasizes sustainability.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
The act or practice of instructing or teaching.
Instruction in schools has evolved over the years.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Directive
An instrument or document setting out policy or strategy.
The health directive outlined measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
Detailed information on how to do something.
The furniture came with an instruction manual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
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Directive
An official or authoritative order.
The president issued a directive to reduce carbon emissions.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
Education or teaching on a particular subject.
She took piano instruction for ten years.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
A statement of required behavior.
The coach provided instruction on proper form.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
Imparted knowledge
We sought further instruction in a more advanced class.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
An imparted or acquired item of knowledge
The judge gave the jury an instruction in how the law defines an accomplice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
Often instructions An authoritative direction to be obeyed; an order
Had instructions to be home by midnight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
(programming) A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
Instructions Detailed directions about how to do something
Read the instructions for assembly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
(Computers) A sequence of bits that tells a central processing unit to perform a particular operation and can contain data to be used in the operation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
(European Union law) A form of legislative act addressed to the member states. The directive binds the member state to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
(uncountable) The act of instructing, teaching, or furnishing with information or knowledge.
Students receive instruction in the arts and sciences.
Instruction will be provided on how to handle difficult customers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
(countable) An instance of the information or knowledge so furnished.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
Having power to direct; tending to direct, guide, or govern; showing the way.
The precepts directive of our practice in relation to God.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
Able to be directed; manageable.
Swords and bowsDirective by the limbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
(computing) A single operation of a processor defined by an instruction set architecture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
A pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity;
The boss loves to send us directives
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
A set of directions provided by a manufacturer for the users of a product or service.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
Showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on;
Felt his mother's directing arm around him
The directional role of science on industrial progress
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
The act of instructing, teaching, or furnishing with knowledge; information.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Directive
An indication or sign showing the course or path to be taken.
Her facial expression was a clear directive to leave her alone.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Instruction
That which instructs, or with which one is instructed; the intelligence or information imparted
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
A segment of coded data that is interpreted by a computer as a command to perform an operation or series of operations. The term instruction is applied to both the electronic form of the data as represented in and executed by the computer, and to any line of written computer code which is interpreted as one instruction by a compiler. A computer program is comprised of one or more instructions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
A message describing how something is to be done;
He gave directions faster than she could follow them
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
The activities of educating or instructing or teaching; activities that impart knowledge or skill;
He received no formal education
Our instruction was carefully programmed
Good teaching is seldom rewarded
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
The profession of a teacher;
He prepared for teaching while still in college
Pedagogy is recognized as an important profession
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Instruction
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Are instructions only written?
No, instructions can be written, verbal, or demonstrated.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
What's the main difference between a directive and instruction?
A directive provides broad guidance, while an instruction gives specific steps.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can a directive be informal?
While often formal, directives can be informal, depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
What's an example of a common instruction?
A recipe's steps or assembly guidelines for a product are instructions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Where might one find a directive?
Directives can be found in government orders, company policies, or organizational guidelines.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can a directive be detailed?
While directives are generally broad, they can include details depending on their purpose.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Is a tutorial a form of instruction?
Yes, a tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on a subject.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
How do directives and instructions relate in a workplace setting?
A directive might set a policy, and instructions would detail how to implement it.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Which comes first, a directive or instruction?
Typically, a directive comes first, providing the general guidance followed by specific instructions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Is following an instruction mandatory?
Instructions are guidelines; not following them might lead to mistakes but isn't always mandatory.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Do all directives have legal consequences?
Not all; while some directives are legally binding, others might be organizational or informal.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Can you give a directive without following up with instructions?
Yes, but without instructions, recipients might be unsure about how to implement the directive.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Who typically issues directives?
Higher authorities like governments, organizational leaders, or management issue directives.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Are classroom lessons considered instructions?
Yes, they instruct students on specific subjects or skills.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Do all products come with instructions?
Most products, especially if assembly or specific usage is needed, come with instructions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Why are directives important in an organization?
They provide a direction, ensuring alignment in goals and strategies.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Can instructions be broad?
Instructions are typically specific, but they can be broadened based on the context.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
What happens if a directive conflicts with another?
It would need resolution, possibly requiring revision or clarification of one or both directives.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can a directive change over time?
Yes, directives can be revised or replaced based on changing circumstances or needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Is a teacher's lesson plan a set of instructions?
Yes, it provides a step-by-step guide for conducting a lesson.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
