Smjernice

Smjernice is a term used in several South Slavic languages, including Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, to denote guidelines or recommendations that guide decision-making and practice. They are typically issued by government agencies, professional bodies, educational institutions, or research teams and articulate preferred methods, standards, or positions. Unlike laws, regulations, or formal rules, smjernice are generally non-binding, though they may carry significant persuasive force and shape policy, procedure, and behavior across organizations and sectors.

Etymology: derived from smjer (direction) with the diminutive/agent suffix -nica; the plural refers to a collection of directional recommendations.

Usage: They appear in varied domains, such as data privacy, healthcare, journalism, education, and corporate governance. Types include strategic guidelines, procedural guidelines, ethical guidelines, and safety guidelines. They may specify recommended processes, criteria for assessment, or examples of acceptable practice, serving as a reference point for professionals and decision-makers.

Relationship to binding rules: Smjernice are not legally binding by themselves. They become binding only when enacted as formal rules, embedded in regulations or contracts, or incorporated into official policies or codes of conduct.

Translation and nuance: In English, smjernice is usually rendered as "guidelines" or "guidance." The nuance is one of recommendation rather than obligation, though context can modify its enforceability.