Crime and Punishment
In class we discussed the various ways to reprimand employees. The process of punishment went in orders of increasing severity in a clear manor that provided transparency as well as the ability to be defended in court. One topic we didn't cover, however, was how to determine if mitigating circumstances could take affect. It is an important question, whether you should treat two employees who committed the same infraction the same way, even if they committed the infraction for two different reasons. Our justice system works in a manner which balances the act with the reasons for committing the act. It would seem unjust to apply different standards in the workplace. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, it is important to show fair and equal treatment of all employees, and it may appear unfair to treat employees differently in any way. For that reason, the best alternative may be to have a strictly enforced code of behavior and an appeals board who can fairly review cases which may have been too strictly enforced. This way, you can afford leniency based on situation without risking personal bias or prejudice from managers.
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