Discipline should be corrective rather than punitive. Which approach should be used when possible?

• A. Administrative sanctions
• B. Progressive discipline
• C. Summary discipline
• D. Immediate termination

Answer: (B)

The main point here is using a corrective approach that gives a person the chance to improve. Progressive discipline does that by applying a step-by-step response to misconduct, starting with informal coaching and moving up through formal verbal or written admonishments, suspension, and only then potential termination. This structure communicates expectations, documents the process, and lets the employee correct their behavior before it escalates to a job loss. It aligns with accountability and fairness, helping people learn from mistakes while maintaining morale and reducing appeals or perceptions of unfair punishment.

Administrative sanctions can feel punitive and may not provide a clear path for improvement. Summary discipline often acts as an immediate, final punishment without allowing a chance to change, and immediate termination ends the relationship right away, which isn’t appropriate when the goal is corrective action and rehabilitation.