2   Development Process

Benefits of the Process

Benefits of Good Manuals lists some of the benefits of a current and effective manual. In addition to these benefits, your organization will benefit from the process you go through to produce the manual. The process can be as valuable as the product that comes from it. Here are some of the ways your organization will benefit:

Systematic evaluation of operations – Preparing a manual, particularly a policy manual, forces staff to look carefully at every aspect of an organization’s operations. This scrutiny sometimes uncovers areas where policies need to be developed or modified to support the organization’s mission or strategic direction. One of the best times to write such a manual is simultaneously with a significant organizational change, such as a reorganization or restructuring. The process of writing the manual helps focus and implement the change.

Streamlined processes – When writing procedures, it sometimes becomes apparent that those processes could be improved or changed to make them more efficient, avoid duplication of effort, or close loopholes. One important benefit of developing a manual is a smoother running organization.

Improved staff relations – Getting staff together to work on a manual also gives them an opportunity to contribute ideas on how to make their work run more smoothly and to iron out differences.

Better communication of information – Staff working on the manual will learn and remember important information, such as policies that they have reviewed. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get staff involved in the development process, particularly those who are ultimately expected to use the manual.

Increased commitment – The meaningful involvement of staff in the process of developing a manual will invariably increase their commitment to the organization and their compliance with policies and procedures.