Policy Drift
Definition
When lived rules and established policies diverge.
Policy drift refers to a growing deviation between intended rules and their actual implementation in processes or systems.
Simply explained
Like house rules that are still posted but interpreted differently in everyday life.
Why it matters in practice
Deviations can create unnoticed new risks and contradictory decisions.
Example from business
A hypothetical assistant receives additional tools without adjusting its approval rules.
Limits and pitfalls
- Not every necessary rule change is drift; decided changes must remain traceable.
Origin & history
The term transfers the drift concept to governance and configuration.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Regularly compare rule sets, permissions, and real workflows based on concrete cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is this model drift?
No, this concerns rules and their implementation.
Sources
Editorially reviewed on: