It is both a management right and obligation to maintain a condition of orderly conduct in the workplace. It is a right because otherwise chaos would reign and no work objectives would be accomplished. It is an obligation because employees are entitled to a safe and stress free workplace where they are secured against the depredations and distractions perpetrated by nonconformists. The application of discipline is corrective and the method for its attainment is progressive, in that progressively severe penalties are meted out for repeat offenses, except in those instances involving the commission of gross or intolerable offenses, when summary discharge is warranted. Systems for implementing discipline must survive the arbitral tests of reasonableness and procedural due process, while at the same time providing practical mechanics for enforcement.
