Final answer:
A plan that provides general guidelines for decision-making within an organization is called a policy. It is different from a procedure, project plan, or a budget.
Step-by-step explanation:
A plan that communicates broad guidelines for employees to use in their decisions and actions is called a policy. A policy is a deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. It is not to be confused with a procedure, which outlines specific actions; a project plan, which details the steps for completing a specific project; or a budget, which is a financial plan. For example, a company might have a policy regarding internet usage, which provides general guidelines on what is considered appropriate use of company resources. Within bureaucracies, explicit rules are outlined and standardized, such as those found in a student handbook. These rules and policies are essential for maintaining order and ensuring that all scenarios, including those arising from new technologies and challenges, are covered.