Is following protocol just basically following standard procedure?

protocol is basically the same as standard procedures. they are set in stone at the time but can change or be updated. i am a nurse and we have tons of protocols. they are always changing. and as far as affirmative action, that usually refers to hiring procedures. affirmative action means that a company has to hire a certain ratio of minorities to non-minorities. i don't think it has much to do with decisive action. actually i dont know what that is.