Biology Forums - Study Force

Define nonpunitive discipline and outline the process for applying nonpunitive discipline to gain employees' acceptance of company rules.

Nonpunitive discipline refers to the use of discipline without punishment. In lieu of traditional punishment, employees who have disobeyed corporate rules are disciplined using the following system. First, an oral reminder of the rules in question is issued. If another infraction occurs within six weeks of the first, a formal written reminder is issued and a copy of the reminder is placed in the employee's personnel file. A private discussion is also held with the employee but without any threats. If a third incident occurs, the employee is given a one-day leave with pay to consider whether this job is a good fit for him or her and whether he or she will commit to meeting the company's policies. The following day, the employee meets with his or her supervisor to discuss his or her decision to stay and follow the rules or leave. If no further incidents occur, the suspension information is purged from the employee's file. If the behavior is repeated, the next step is dismissal.