ohjeellisuus

Ohjeellisuus is a Finnish noun that describes the quality or state of being instructive, guideline-like, or advisory. It is formed from the word ohje, meaning instruction or guideline, plus the suffix -ellisuus, which indicates a characteristic. The concept is used to denote content that provides guidance or recommendations rather than mandatory requirements.

In practice, ohjeellisuus refers to how strongly a text, rule, or instrument offers instructions and what level of obligation it implies. Texts with high ohjeellisuus give practical recommendations and steps to follow, while they do not compel action in a binding way. The term is commonly applied to user manuals, safety guidelines, educational materials, policy documents, and organizational procedures, where clarity and usefulness of guidance are prioritized over compulsion.

The notion is often contrasted with bindingness or obligatoriness. For example, a safety guideline may have high ohjeellisuus because it clearly advises on best practices, whereas a regulation that imposes penalties for noncompliance has low ohjeellisuus in the sense that the content is not merely advisory. Related terms include suositellisuus (the quality of being recommended), ohjeistus (the act or content of providing instructions), and ohjeistaminen (the process of issuing guidance).

In linguistic or normative discussions, ohjeellisuus can describe the prescriptive or directive aspect of norms, distinguishing what is recommended from what is legally or practically required. Overall, the term captures the usefulness and advisory nature of content designed to guide actions.