What Is progressive discipline?

Progressive discipline gradually punishes negative behavior.

Progressive discipline is a system where the penalties for misbehavior or negative performance gradually increase. Many schools and businesses use some form of a progressive discipline plan for students and employees.

Legality

Progressive discipline plans used in business are usually implemented privately and are not mandated by either state or local government. They must be implemented legally, however.

Creation

Progressive discipline plans are usually created by companies and tailored according to their individual needs, but creating a comprehensive and effective discipline plan can be time-consuming.

Steps

Each progressive discipline plan is different, but in business the disciplinary steps usually begin with oral reprimands and then graduate to written reprimands, private meetings, and negative performance evaluations and suspensions, before finally resulting in termination.

Advantages

An advantage of progressive discipline is that it helps the punishment fit the offense. It also helps the person being disciplined to understand better the nature of the infraction, and gives him the chance to correct it.

Disadvantages

A disadvantage of progressive discipline is that the process can take a long time to reach a conclusion. Problem employees may not be able to be dismissed for an unreasonable length of time.

References

• LegalWorkplace.com
• IPMA-HR

Resources

• Using Progressive Discipline for Employees