Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

What is the primary goal of disciplinary action in a workplace?

1. Close the gap between an employee's behavior and the required standard of performance

2. Punish employees who violate company policies and break rules

3. Reinforce the command structure of the organization and the formal power invested in the supervisor

4. Intimidate other employees so they will not violate company policies and break rules

The correct answer is: Close the gap between an employee's behavior and the required standard of performance

The primary goal of disciplinary action in a workplace is to close the gap between an employee's behavior and the required standard of performance. This approach focuses on correcting and improving the employee's performance by identifying the specific behaviors that do not meet expectations and providing the necessary guidance or resources to help them succeed. Effective disciplinary action is not merely about punishment; rather, it aims to facilitate learning and growth so that employees can understand where they have deviated from established policies or performance metrics. By addressing performance gaps constructively, supervisors can foster an environment of accountability while encouraging employees to align their behavior with the organization's standards. While punishment may occur as part of the disciplinary process, it is not the primary goal. Instead, reinforcing a positive change in behavior and performance is the key aim, ultimately contributing to the overall performance and morale of the team. The focus on improving behavior and performance distinguishes this approach from simply instilling fear or asserting power within the organization.