Protocol vs. Procedure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
A protocol dictates a set of guidelines or rules, while a procedure provides step-by-step instructions. Protocols establish standards; procedures detail actions.
Difference Between Protocol and Procedure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A protocol refers to a set of guidelines, standards, or rules that individuals or groups need to follow. It might relate to behavior, communication, or specific practices in various fields. A procedure, in contrast, is a sequence of steps taken to accomplish a specific task or objective. Procedures are action-oriented and detail the "how" of a task.
In the realm of diplomacy, for instance, a protocol might lay out the appropriate behavior for diplomats during international events. The procedure, on the other hand, would detail the exact steps a diplomat might take to present credentials to a foreign head of state. Both are essential, but while the protocol sets the expectations, the procedure offers a roadmap.
In the medical world, a protocol might refer to the standard treatment plan for a certain disease. This protocol defines what treatments are deemed suitable. Meanwhile, a procedure would be the step-by-step instructions a surgeon might follow during a specific operation. The protocol determines the treatment path, while the procedure gives the exact steps to execute it.
In computer networks, a protocol dictates how data is transmitted and received, ensuring that devices communicate effectively. Procedures in this context might pertain to the steps an IT technician follows to set up a specific piece of hardware or software. The protocol ensures seamless communication, and the procedure ensures correct setup and installation.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Set of guidelines or rules
Sequence of steps to accomplish a task
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Orientation
Rule-oriented
Action-oriented
Purpose
To establish standards
To detail actions
Example Domain
Diplomacy, medical treatment plans, network communication
Surgical operations, IT setup, administrative tasks
Nature
Provides a general framework
Provides specific instructions
Compare with Definitions
Protocol
A system of rules governing formal behavior.
The royal visit was conducted according to strict protocol.
Procedure
A course of action intended to achieve a result.
The legal procedure can be lengthy and complex.
Protocol
A standard set of rules for electronic data transmission.
The internet relies on the TCP/IP protocol for data exchange.
Procedure
A series of actions conducted in a specific order.
The surgical procedure lasted for three hours.
Protocol
A procedure or system of conducting diplomatic affairs.
Adhering to protocol is crucial during international summits.
Procedure
An established way of doing something.
The company has a procedure for processing refunds.
Protocol
The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions
Protocol forbids the prince from making any public statement in his defence
Procedure
A step-by-step method for performing a task.
The experiment followed a detailed procedure to get accurate results.
Protocol
The original draft of a diplomatic document, especially of the terms of a treaty agreed to in conference and signed by the parties
Hungary and the Soviet Union signed a trade protocol
Signatories to the Montreal Protocol
Procedure
A set of instructions for a computer operation.
The software update required a reboot as part of the procedure.
Protocol
A formal or official record of scientific experimental observations
Protocols of published cases frequently lack this vital information
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something
The police are now reviewing procedures
Parliamentary procedure
Protocol
A set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices.
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
Protocol
The forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state.
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
Protocol
A code of correct conduct
Safety protocols.
Academic protocol.
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
Protocol
The first copy of a treaty or other such document before its ratification.
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
Protocol
A preliminary draft or record of a transaction.
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
Protocol
The plan for a course of medical treatment or for a scientific experiment.
Procedure
A particular method for performing a task.
Protocol
(Computers) A standard procedure for regulating data transmission between computers.
Procedure
A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
Protocol
To form or issue protocols.
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
Protocol
The minutes, or official record, of a negotiation or transaction; especially a document drawn up officially which forms the legal basis for subsequent agreements based on it.
Procedure
The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Protocol
An official record of a diplomatic meeting or negotiation; later specifically, a draft document setting out agreements to be signed into force by a subsequent formal treaty.
Procedure
(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
Protocol
(international law) An amendment to an official treaty.
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
Protocol
The first leaf of a roll of papyrus, or the official mark typically found on such a page.
Procedure
(medicine) A surgical operation.
Protocol
The official formulas which appeared at the beginning or end of certain official documents such as charters, papal bulls etc.
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
Protocol
(sciences) The original notes of observations made during an experiment; also, the precise method for carrying out or reproducing a given experiment.
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Protocol
The official rules and guidelines for heads of state and other dignitaries, governing accepted behaviour in relations with other diplomatic representatives or over affairs of state.
Procedure
That which results; issue; product.
Protocol
An accepted code of conduct; acceptable behaviour in a given situation or group.
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Protocol
(computing) A set of formal rules describing how to transmit or exchange data, especially across a network.
Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
Protocol
(medicine) The set of instructions allowing a licensed medical professional to start, modify, or stop a medical or patient care order.
Procedure
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Protocol
To make a protocol of.
Procedure
A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
Protocol
To make or write protocols, or first drafts; to issue protocols.
Protocol
The original copy of any writing, as of a deed, treaty, dispatch, or other instrument.
Protocol
The minutes, or rough draught, of an instrument or transaction.
Protocol
A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on.
Protocol
To make a protocol of.
Protocol
To make or write protocols, or first draughts; to issue protocols.
Protocol
(computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data
Protocol
Forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state
Protocol
Code of correct conduct;
Safety protocols
Academic protocol
Protocol
An original draft or record of a negotiation or document.
The signing ceremony finalized the protocol of the agreement.
Protocol
An established method used in medical treatments or experiments.
The clinical trial followed a rigorous protocol to ensure safety.
Common Curiosities
What is a protocol?
A protocol is a set of guidelines, standards, or rules to follow in various scenarios.
Is a surgical method a protocol or a procedure?
A surgical method is typically a procedure as it outlines specific steps to be taken.
Which is more specific, protocol or procedure?
A procedure is generally more specific, detailing exact steps.
Can you give an example of a protocol in networking?
Yes, TCP/IP is a well-known protocol used for internet data exchange.
Why are protocols important in diplomacy?
Protocols in diplomacy ensure appropriate behavior and communication between nations.
Can one procedure fit multiple protocols?
Yes, a single procedure might be applicable in various scenarios defined by different protocols.
In what context are both protocols and procedures crucial?
In medical treatments, both are vital - protocols dictate treatment standards, while procedures give execution steps.
How do protocols ensure safety in experiments?
Protocols set the guidelines and boundaries, ensuring that experiments are conducted appropriately.
How does a procedure differ from a protocol?
A procedure provides step-by-step instructions for a task, while a protocol sets guidelines or rules.
Are protocols only used in technology and medicine?
No, protocols can be found in many fields including diplomacy, events, and research.
How does a procedure aid in consistency?
By providing detailed steps, a procedure ensures tasks are executed uniformly each time.
Do all protocols require a corresponding procedure?
Not necessarily. Some protocols simply set standards without detailing the execution steps.
Why might a company have procedures?
Procedures help companies ensure consistency, quality, and compliance in their operations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
