Best Practices

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Best Practices'

A set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action. Best practices are often set forth by an authority, such as a governing body or management, depending on the circumstances. While best practices generally dictate the recommended course of action, some situations require that such practices be followed.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Best Practices'

Best practices serve as a general outline for a variety of situations. For instance, in the production process, a list of best practices may be given to employees, highlighting the most efficient way to complete their tasks. For accountants, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles represent best practices for the profession. An investment manager may follow best practices when managing a client's money by prudently investing in a well-diversified portfolio.

Related Definitions

  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - GAAP

    The common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements. GAAP are a combination of authoritative standards (set by ...
    Read More »
  • Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS

    A set of systematic guidelines used by auditors when conducting audits on companies' finances, ensuring the accuracy, consistency and verifiability of auditors' actions and reports.
    Read More »
  • International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement - IFEMA

    An agreement set forth by the Foreign Exchange Committee that reflects the best practices for transactions in the foreign exchange market. IFEMA was published in 1997 and sponsored by ...
    Read More »
    • Best Efforts

      An agreement in which an underwriter promises to make a full-fledged attempt to sell as much of an initial public offering as possible to the public. If the underwriter is unable to ...
      Read More »
    • Federal Trade Commission - FTC

      An independent federal agency whose main goals are to protect consumers and to ensure a strong competitive market by enforcing a variety of consumer protection and antitrust laws. These ...
      Read More »
    • Internal Controls

      Methods put in place by a company to ensure the integrity of financial and accounting information, meet operational and profitability targets and transmit management policies throughout ...
      Read More »
    • Corporate Governance

      The relationship between all the stakeholders in a company. This includes the shareholders, directors, and management of a company, as defined by the corporate charter, bylaws, formal ...
      Read More »
    • Stakeholder

      A party that has an interest in an enterprise or project. The primary stakeholders in a typical corporation are its investors, employees, customers and suppliers. However, modern theory ...
      Read More »
    • Market-Based Corporate Governance System

      A system relying on the investors of a firm to exert control over how the corporation is to be managed. A market-based corporate governance system defines the responsibilities of the ...
      Read More »
    • Silo Mentality

      An attitude found in some organizations that occurs when several departments or groups do not want to share information or knowledge with other individuals in the same company. A silo ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links