Chapter 10

Question 1

Discuss the differences between positive discipline and negative discipline

Answer 1

• Positive discipline refers to the training and counseling of subordinates that result in willing and voluntary compliance with the rules and regulations
• Negative discipline refers to the meting out of forms of punishment for wrong or inappropriate job-related conduct

Question 2

Does punishment always have to be certain to accomplish its purpose, discuss.

Answer 2

• Yes. The threat of punishment will not serve as a deterrent unless there is a feeling of certainty among employees that wrongdoing will be uncovered and that those responsible will be appropriately disciplined

Question 3

Does punishment always have to be swift to accomplish its purpose, discuss

Answer 3

• Yes, it must be swift. Unreasonable delays are counter-productive. Without swiftness, there will be no connection between the events.

Question 4

Does punishment always have to be sever to accomplish its purpose, discuss

Answer 4

• No, however, the severity of punishment is dependent on the severity of the offense. The primary purpose of positive or negative discipline is to foster improved performance.

Question 5

Who has the primary responsibility to administer both positive and negative discipline, discuss

Answer 5

• The first line supervisor. They are the key to the discipline process as they work with the employees on a day to day basis, and thus are in the best position to observe performance.

Question 6

Should a supervisor act every time he observes an act in violation of agency rules and regulations, discuss

Answer 6

• Yes, to do otherwise inevitably leads to an erosion of overall discipline. Employees must have a feeling of certainty that wrongdoing will be uncovered and those responsible will be appropriately disciplined.

Question 7

Why is it important for and agency to rescind outdated rules and regulations

Answer 7

• Outdated rules and regulations are the greatest burden on supervisors in their effort to maintain overall discipline. When there are too many irrelevant or seemingly arbitrary regulations, a supervisor often has to pick and choose which are important and which need to be enforced.

Question 8

Discuss the elements of a fair and equitable disciplinary system

Answer 8

• Clear and reasonable rules and regulations
• Systematic instruction concerning rules, regulations and expected performance standards
• A well-informed work group
• Facts before acts
• Consistency supervisory behavior
• Performance feedback
• An appeals procedure
• Periodic purging of records

Question 9

Is deciding upon an appropriate punishment an easy or difficult task, explain

Answer 9

• It is the single most complex decision in the entire disciplinary process. The supervisor must review the subordinate’s work history and prior disciplinary record. Make certain the exact limits of his authority as to restrictions on penalties imposed. Research how similar matters have been resolved. He must also review and consider all of the circumstances which were involved in the incident in question.

Question 10

Discuss the guidelines for holding a disciplinary action review

Answer 10

• Hold an interview at a time and in a place that ensures privacy and allows freedom from interruption
• Have all essential facts available during the interview
• Be sure to respect confidential sources of information
• Be serious, but do not treat the subordinate like an adversary
• Use facts, not conjecture, to make your case
• Listen carefully for new information
• Communicate that the behavior which occurred is in questions, not the subordinate himself
• Attempt to convince the subordinate of the need for improvement. If such a need exists, try to get a commitment from the subordinate to do his best in the future.
• Practice empathy
• Ask if personal problem exists
• Set specific time frames for any agreed upon courses of action
• Check for understanding by having the subordinate summarize key points in his own words
• End the interview on a positive note.

Question 11

Discuss the obstacles to the effective administration of discipline

Answer 11

• Being overly reliant on the fear of negative discipline
• Being overly lenient
• Acting with incomplete information
• Inadequate case preparation
• Public disciplining
• Being vengeful
• Ignoring anonymous information
• Inappropriate transfer of personnel