vägledande

Vägledande is a Swedish adjective meaning guiding or providing guidance. It is used to describe principles, documents, or processes that are intended to aid decision-making rather than impose binding requirements. Common collocations include vägledande principer (guiding principles), vägledande riktlinjer (guidelines), and vägledande modeller (guiding models).

The word originates from the verb vägleda, “to guide,” with the present participle suffix -ande. As an attributive adjective, vägledande signals advisory status rather than mandatory enforcement. The related noun vägledning means “guidance.”

Vägledande terminology is widely used in public administration, corporate policy, and education. Materials described as vägledande outline preferred approaches, considerations, or evaluation criteria and are typically intended to inform decisions, plans, or assessments. They can coexist with legally binding rules and regulations, serving as a framework that shapes interpretation and implementation rather than dictates exact outcomes.

In practice, the nuance of vägledande lies in its emphasis on direction and best practices rather than compulsory action. The term helps distinguish between recommended paths and mandatory requirements in policy documents, manuals, and strategic plans.

See also: vägledning (guidance), riktlinjer (policies or guidelines), vägledare (guide or advisor).