Applying the Hot Stove Rule of Discipline in the Workplace Essay

Applying the Hot Stove Rule of Discipline in the Workplace "Spare the rod and spoil the child". This is the moral to Aesop's fable The Thief and his Mother. He proves that discipline is imperative. It emphasizes that if we do not take action in our children's wrong doings we will hurt them in the longer run. Children need discipline in their lives. It is their only way of learning the difference between right and wrong. As parents, it is our duty to mold our children in the right direction. The rewards of implementing discipline are endless, for knowing that they will make the right decision even when you are not there is comforting, and it pleases you. Discipline is fair, and open disciplinary procedures are essential to maintain harmony. Therefore, discipline is an important action taken to encourage compliance with organizational standards and regulations; whether in the home or at the work place. A popular and effective disciplinary rule used today by many managers is known as the "Hot Stove Rule of Discipline." This rule can be defined as the concept that disciplinary action should have the same characteristics as the penalty a person receives from touching a hot stove; that is, the discipline should be immediate, consistent, and impersonal (Gardner 1). Before any disciplinary action can be implemented, a manager must first give advanced warning. Employees must be informed clearly that certain actions will result in disciplinary actions. This is a very important step. It is not the employee's fault if he is not informed of the company's rules, ethics and standards. It is management's responsibility to educate and inform all employees. It is easier to accept discipline if the rules and standards are clearly stated befo... ...equence that follows a rule infraction. The hot stove provides warning. Disciplinary rules should inform employees of the consequences of breaking the rules. A hot stove is consistent in administering pain. In conclusion, a Hot Stove is a vital instrument in taking management action. It assists in encouraging compliance with organizational standards and regulations. The Hot Stove Rule of Discipline is effective and continues to prove efficiency. Bibliography Sixth Edition, Stephen Robbins and Mary Coulter. Upper Saddle River New Jersey, 1996. www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists-k-o/management-history/1998-02/0001.html http://business.clayton.edu/jbogert/mgmt3101/robbin20.txt http://www.siu.edu/departments/coe/ras1/474/discipline/sld001.htm http://www.acad.polyu.edu.hk/~mstpoon/discipli.htm http://ost.wc.edu/On-Line%20Courses/Hrpo2301/asgns/asgn11.htm