According to the Business Rules Group, a Business Rule is a directive, intended to influence or guide business behavior, in support of Business Policy that has been formulated in response to an Opportunity, Threat, Strength, or Weakness. A Business Rule is a single Element of Guidance that does not require additional interpretation to undertake Strategies or Tactics.

In contrast to a Business Policy, a Business Rule is highly structured and is carefully expressed in words that might use a standard vocabulary. A Business Rule should represent only a single aspect of guidance.

Business Rules can be visually modeled on Enterprise Direction diagrams, which support the Business Motivation Model (BMM). Business Rules guide Tactics and support the achievement of Business Objectives. These relationships are formed via respective matrices.