Standards for Top Management

FRAMEWORK

Creating new standards

Purpose

This guide helps top management lead or support the development of new standards—whether internal company standards, sector-wide specifications, or contributions to international standards like ISO. It ensures the process is strategic, inclusive, and credible, delivering real value for your organization and its stakeholders.

1. Understanding the Value of Creating Standards

Creating a new standard may:

  • Fill gaps where no suitable standard exists.
  • Harmonize inconsistent practices across teams, sites, or partners.
  • Set industry benchmarks that position your organization as a leader.
  • Enable regulatory alignment or future-proof operations.
  • Strengthen customer and stakeholder trust.

New standards may take the form of:

  • Internal standards or policies (company-specific best practices)
  • Sector or industry standards (developed with partners, associations, or regulators)
  • International standards (via ISO, CEN, IEC, or similar organizations)

2. The process of creating new standards

Step 1: Define the Need and Strategic Fit

  • What gap or challenge does the new standard address?
  • Why can’t existing standards meet this need?
  • How does it align with your strategic objectives?

Step 2: Engage Stakeholders and Build Consensus

  • Involve relevant internal teams (technical, legal, compliance, operations).
  • Engage customers, partners, regulators, or industry bodies as appropriate.
  • Ensure the process is inclusive and consensus-driven.

Step 3: Decide on the Type and Scope of the Standard

  • Internal standards, industry guidelines, or contributions to a formal standards body?
  • Define clear boundaries, objectives, and intended users.

Step 4: Structure the Development Process

  • Appoint responsible owners and facilitators.
  • Define the process for drafting, review, approval, and publication.
  • Ensure traceability of inputs and decisions.

Step 5: Draft and Validate the Standard

  • Use clear, accessible language.
  • Reference existing best practices or frameworks where possible.
  • Test the draft through pilots, expert reviews, or stakeholder consultation.

Step 6: Finalize and Publish

  • Obtain formal approvals.
  • Define publication and communication plans.
  • Provide supporting materials (training, FAQs, implementation guides).

Step 7: Monitor Adoption and Maintain the Standard

  • Track how the standard is used and its impact.
  • Establish a process for feedback, updates, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure ongoing ownership and version control.