Recipient and observer reactions to discipline: are managers experiencing wishful thinking?

A qualitative study of recipients' and observers' reactions to discipline events was conducted. Data from 123 recipient interviews and 46 observer interviews were content analyszed and categorized. Results showed that while both groups see positive results from discipline, recipients and observers may lose respect for the discipliner, and may develop negative attitudes toward the organization as a consequence of the discipline. They are also likely to perceive the discipline event as unfair, especially when discipline is applied for informal as opposed to formal rule violations.