Nature of discipline

According to Spiegel, “Positive discipline does not replace reason but applies reason to the achievement of a common objective. Positive Discipline does not restrict the individual freedom but enables him to have a greater degree of self-expression in striving to achieve the group objective, which he identifies as his own.”

It means that positive Discipline is not that ideal that it can’t be achieved. It also does not imply that an individual’s freedom is restricted. Rather it provides better chances to an individual for expressing himself. The individual in this process, is able to bridge the gap between his and the group goals.

It is also to be noted that positive discipline promotes cooperating and coordination with a minimum of formal organization. It reduces the need for strict supervision required to maintain standards and observe rules and regulations. Everyone is answerable to oneself and therefore one is not answerable to anyone else.

2. Negative Discipline

Under negative discipline, penalties are used to force the workers to obey rules and regulations. In other words, workers try to adhere to rules and regulations out of fear of warnings, penalties and other forms of punishment. This approach to discipline is called negative or punitive approach.

This is an unfavorable state that subjects the employees to frustration, and consequently results in low morale. Let me ask you a question, how will you react if you are punished for a wrong act of yours? Will you welcome it? I am sure it would be much better that an environment is created where one does not commit any wrongful act. If at all there is some indiscipline, tit has to be handled in a calm and matured way.

There is another drawback related to negative discipline. An employee goes astray in his behaviour whenever there is a slightest possibility of escaping the punishment or when he believes that his action will go unnoticed.

Progressive and development oriented managers adopt a positive approach to discipline rather than negative approach. In the positive approach, attempts are made to educate the workers the values of discipline. The workers should be taught self-discipline. Disciplinary action should be taken only in exceptional circumstances where no other alternative is left. Disciplinary action should always incorporate consideration of just cause and due process.

Some of the symptoms of general indiscipline can be:

• • Absence from work

  • Absenteeism

  • Abusing customers

  • Abusive language toward supervisor

  • Assault and fighting among employees

  • Causing unsafe working conditions

  • Damage to or loss of machinery or materials Dishonesty

  • Disloyalty to employer (includes competing with employer, conflict of interest)

  • Falsifying company records (including time records, production records)

  • Falsifying employment application

  • Gambling

  • Horseplay

  • Incompetence (including low productivity)

  • Insubordination

  • Leaving place of work (including quitting early)

  • Loafing

  • Misconduct during a strike

  • Negligence

  • Obscene or immoral conduct