noun
policy; course of action; guiding principle
Refers to a basic direction, plan, or set of principles for action, used in government, business, and personal decision-making.
政府は新しい経済方針を発表した。
The government announced a new economic policy.
会社の方針に従って行動してください。
Please act in accordance with the company's policy.
noun
magnetic needle
Original meaning; now rare and mostly replaced by 磁針. Still understood in historical or technical contexts.
See also: 磁針
方針は古い言葉で、今は磁針と言うことが多い。
方針 is an old word; nowadays people usually say 磁針 for a magnetic needle.