A company's progressive discipline policy states that tardiness results in: 1st offense - verbal warning, 2nd offense - written warning, 3rd offense - suspension, 4th offense - termination. An employee has been late 4 times. The company should:
Correct Answer
B) Follow the stated progressive discipline policy
Employers should consistently follow their stated policies to avoid claims of unfair treatment or discrimination. Deviating from written policies can create legal liability.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Following the stated progressive discipline policy is legally required to maintain consistency and fairness in employment practices. Written policies create contractual obligations that employers must honor to avoid discrimination claims and wrongful termination lawsuits. Consistent application of policies protects both the employer and employee by establishing clear expectations and consequences. Deviating from established policies, even with good intentions, can expose the company to significant legal liability.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Immediately terminate the employee
Immediate termination would skip steps in the established policy (verbal warning, written warning, suspension), creating potential legal liability for not following the company's own written procedures.
Option C: Skip to suspension for efficiency
Skipping to suspension bypasses the required verbal and written warning steps outlined in the policy, which could be viewed as inconsistent application and create legal exposure.
Option D: Ignore the policy and give another chance
Ignoring the established policy by giving additional chances beyond what's written creates inconsistency that could lead to claims of favoritism or discriminatory treatment of other employees.
Memory Technique
Think 'POLICY = PROMISE' - when you write a policy, you're making a legal promise that must be kept consistently with all employees.
Reference Hint
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board study materials, Chapter on Employment Law and Human Resources Management
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