UNIT – I Lesson 1 HRM – AN OVERVIEW Lesson Outline Nature of ...

If employees are motivated through rewards, appreciation, constructive support,
reinforcement or approved personnel actions to conform to organizational rules and
regulations, it is termed as “Positive Discipline”. The attitude and mindset of the
employees is developed to ensure that they willingly conform to the rules and regulations
of the organization.
If employees are forced to follow the rules and regulations of the organization by
inducing fear in them, them it is referred to as “Negative Discipline”. In this type of
discipline, the employees fear loss of promotion, an increment or a job and therefore
reluctantly and unwillingly try to conform to the organizational rules.
Organizations should use negative discipline only when it is extremely essential.
All efforts should be made to ensure a discipline through a positive approach, so that
employees are motivated to perform as per the disciplinary standards laid out by the
organization.
ACTS OF INDISCIPLINE OR MISCONDUCT
Misconduct or an act of indiscipline impairs the organization, tarnishes its
reputation and leads to employee unrest. If not tacked immediately, these acts can lead to
disciplinary problems.
The basic acts of misconduct or indiscipline in an organization can be categorized
as follows:
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is one of the major problems that mangers encounter in organizations. It
relates to misuse of leave facilities, tardiness and absenteeism. The reasons for attendance
problems could be:
• Incongruence in employee and organizational goals
• Personality characteristics, like attitude towards work
• Unpleasant relationship with supervisors and co-workers
• Ensured job security leading to a relaxed and uninterested approach
ON THE JOB BEHAVIOR
An employee’s behavior should be in accordance with the rules and regulations laid out by
the organization. Any behavior that hampers the work of the individual or disturbs the
performance of other employees demands disciplinary action. Reasons for such acts of
indiscipline can be:
• Lack of proper upbringing and education