What is a standard? Why are standards important? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines standard as:
- “a conspicuous object (as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem”
- “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example”
- “something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality”
- “the fineness and legally fixed weight of the metal used in coins”
- “the basis of value in a monetary system”
- “a structure built for or serving as a base or support”
From these definitions, it appears that one could conclude that a standard should have value; be established by general consent or by an organization; be a “yardstick” to measure quantity, quality, and value; and be a “base or support” upon which one can built procedures and policies.
