In general, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are treated as rules that shall be followed, whereas _____ are guidelines that should be followed.

Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are indeed considered as guidelines that should be followed, distinguishing them from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are strict rules that must be adhered to. SOGs provide a level of flexibility and can allow for discretion in various situations, enabling personnel to adapt their actions to specific circumstances while still maintaining a structured approach.

In contrast to SOGs, SOPs establish clear expectations and requirements, leaving less room for interpretation or adaptation. This distinction is particularly important in environments where compliance with defined procedures is critical for safety or operational efficiency. Thus, SOGs play a complementary role to SOPs, offering guidance that supports decision-making within the framework created by SOPs.