Chapter 7: The Discipline Process

Question 1

How should most acts of misconduct be handled?

Answer 1

progressive discipline

Question 2

Some problem employees require more severe discipline before what?

Answer 2

before they change their behavior

Question 3

Rarely are two individual misconduct cases ____.

Answer 3

alike

Question 4

Some acts of misconduct will immediately lead to what?

Answer 4

termination

Question 5

Definition: “Seriously bad or dishonest behavior, especially by someone who has a position of responsibility.”

Answer 5

misconduct

Question 6

Definition: “the practice of making people obey rules of behavior and punishing them if they do not” or “strict control to enforce obedience.”

Answer 6

discipline

Question 7

____ is the amount of punishment necessary for an employee to change their behavior.

Answer 7

Discipline

Question 8

When addressing improper behavior or misconduct, what are three questions to ask?

Answer 8

1. result of lack of knowledge or training?
2. result of a personal issue?
3. result of deliberate and intentional act?

Question 9

If misconduct is due to the lack of training or knowledge, how should it be handled?

Answer 9

educate and train them

Question 10

What is the approach for dealing with employees who have violated policy due to lack of knowledge or clear understanding of it?

Answer 10

1. discuss the policy and how their behavior resulted in the violation
2. instruct to read the policy and report back in 2-3 days
3. when the employee returns, have them teach the policy as if you have no knowledge of it

Question 11

In the author’s approach to dealing with violations of policy due to lack of knowledge or training, what three learning styles did he engage?

Answer 11

auditory, visual, kinesthetic

Question 12

If misconduct is the result of a personal issue, it is important to address what?

Answer 12

the underlying personal issue

Question 13

What are some excuses for deliberately not following the policy?

Answer 13

1. bad policy
2. busy and needed to quickly handle the situation
3. under stress and forgot
4. normally follow policy, but forgot this time
5. told by previous supervisor I could do it this way
6. though the policy had changed

Question 14

The responsibility for performance is placed on the ____, not on the ____ of the organization - Paul Hersey

Answer 14

employee, manager

Question 15

What are the author’s principles for dealing with problem employees?

Answer 15

1. employees will modify behavior when consequences outweigh benefits of misbehavior
2. do not concern yourself with whether the discipline is seen as fair, because problem employees never see being held accountable as fair
3. should you really care that the problem employee acknowledges and respects your right as a supervisor to impose discipline?
4. don’t be concerned that the employee may feel resentful or cause further disruption at work

Question 16

What is the process of using increasingly severe steps of discipline, when an employee fails to correct a behavior problem or continues the misconduct?

Answer 16

progressive discipline

Question 17

What is the underlying principle of progressive discipline?

Answer 17

use the least amount of discipline to correct the behavior

Question 18

What are some examples of progressive discipline in increasing order?

Answer 18

verbal, informal documented counseling, formal written reprimand, suspension, demotion, transfer, termination

Question 19

Progressive discipline should be used as a ____, not as an absolute rule of progression.

Answer 19

guide

Question 20

What are some considerations when determining the appropriate level of discipline?

Answer 20

1. how serious was the misconduct?
2. was the employee previously disciplined for the same misconduct?
3. does the employee have a prior history of misconduct or behavior issues?
4. is this a problem employee (10%)?

Question 21

The ___ ___ is a formal schedule that specifies the level of discipline that is appropriate for a particular set of facts. This exemplifies the basic concept of progressive discipline.

Answer 21

discipline matrix

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of the discipline matrix?

Answer 22

achieve consistency in discipline,
eliminate disparities,
and similar forms of misconduct will receive similar discipline

Question 23

What must the discipline matrix do to accomplish its goal?

Answer 23

1. ensure misconduct will not be overlooked and that some form of discipline will result
2. ensure that the discipline is reasonable related to the seriousness of the misconduct
3. ensure that the disciplinary response takes into consideration both aggravating and mitigating factors

Question 24

The discipline matrix is not a ___, ___ document. It must be subject to review and revision, in order to better address changes in organizational values and priorities.

Answer 24

permanent, unchangeable

Question 25

Police and fire departments do not exist to ___ ___; they exist to provide a valuable service to the community.

Answer 25

create jobs