What term is used to describe an authoritative rule that governs behavior for uniformity?

The term that describes an authoritative rule governing behavior for uniformity is "regulation." Regulations are formal rules or directives issued by governmental or regulatory bodies that impose specific requirements or standards to ensure consistency and compliance within a certain industry or sector. They are often legally binding and meant to control how individuals or organizations operate, thus promoting uniform behavior across the board.

This distinction is important because regulations are typically enforced by law, while other terms such as policies, guidelines, or procedures serve different purposes. Policies may outline the intentions or principles of an organization without the same level of enforceability. Guidelines provide recommendations or best practices that are not obligatory, and procedures detail the specific steps required to follow a particular policy or regulation, but do not, in themselves, govern behavior on a broader scale.