MBA(MRM) PAPER – 401.

Susanta kumar gangopadhyay

Role of discipline in Industrial Relations.

Definition of discipline

Why discipline is pre condition to industrial growth

Aspects and approaches of discipline.

The word discipline denotes action conforming or inaction that is regulated

to be in accordance with a particular system of governance. It is commonly
applied to regulating human and animal behavior and further more, it is
applied to each branch of organized activity, knowledge and other fields of
study and observation.

Discipline can be a set of expectations that are required by any governing

entity including the self groups, classes, fields, industries or societies.

Discipline is the force that prompts an individual as a group to observe the

rules and regulations and procedures which are deemed to be necessary to
the attainment of an objective. It is the force or fear of force which restrains
an individual or a group from doing things which are deemed to be
destructive of group objectives. It is also the exercise of restraints or the
enforcement of penalties for the violation of group regulations.

The term, in the broad sense, means orderliness, the opposite to confusion.
However, discipline, does not implies a strict and technical observance of
rigid rules and regulations. It simply means working, cooperating and
behaving in normal and orderly way as any organization would expect an
employee to do.

The Webster dictionary provides for three distinct meanings of the term
discipline:

In the first place, it is training that corrects, moulds, strengthen or perfects.

Secondly, it is control gained by enforcing obedience.

Finally, it is punishment or chastisement.

Aims and objectives of discipline may be explained in the following manner.

Discipline denotes willing acceptance of the rules , regulations and

procedures of an organization so that organizational goals can be attained.

Discipline imparts an element of certainty despite several differences in

informal behavior patterns and other related changes in an organization.

It contributes to developing among the employees a spirit of tolerance and

the desire to make adjustments.

It provides to give and seek direction and responsibility.

Discipline provides for creation of an atmosphere of respect for the human

personality and human relations.

It provides for working efficiency and morale of the employees so that their
productivity is stepped up, the cost of production is brought down and the
quality of production is improved.

The term discipline which can also be stated in a nutshell conforming

behavior of an individual in an organization can be classified as

a) Self discipline which can also be classified as positive or self imposed

discipline.
b) Enforced or negative discipline
c) Progressive discipline.

Self discipline / self imposed discipline.

It refers to one’s efforts at self control for the purpose of adjusting oneself to
to certain needs and demands. This form of discipline is based on two
psychological principles. First, punishment seldom produces the desired
results, often it produces undesirable results. Secondly, a self respecting
person tends to be better worker than one who is not. This self imposed
discipline refers to rewards, appreciation, constructive support,
reinforcement of approved personnel actions and behavior, incentive
payments and promotions to motivate employees to extend their
cooperation to the management and work willingly, effectively and
competently.

It involves the creation of an attitude of mind and an organizational climate

in which employees willingly conform to rules and regulations. This discipline
is achieved when the management applies the principle of positive
motivation, when leadership is properly exercised by supervisors and when
the entire organization is efficiently managed. It includes the concept of self
discipline and self control and also known as cooperative discipline or
determinative discipline. When develop from within, it leads to team spirit,
mutual respect, respect for established rules, respect for supervisors,
appreciation of company goals and policies, high employee morale, greater
freedom for development and finally willingness to cooperate and coordinate.

Enforced or negative discipline.

It involves framing of necessary conditions for orderly behavior and relate

to people who are forced or constrained to obey orders and to perform their
task in accordance with the rules and regulations that have been laid down,
failing which they would have to suffer penalties. The purpose of negative
discipline is to scare them and so as to keep them in line with others to
ensure that they do not indulge in undesirable behavior.

This negative discipline is also known as punitive, corrective or autocratic

discipline and is imposed upon persons who failed to observe the rules and
regulations of the organization to which they belong, who fail to carry out
the lawful orders of their bosses, who indulges anti organizational or anti
social activities, who do not respond to positive motivational techniques and
are negligent in their character.

Progressive discipline

This aspect o0f discipline is called progressive not because it is liberal in

character but because it progresses sequentially, chronologically and
systematically through a prescribed series of steps. It’s function is not to
change past behavior but to prevent its recurrence in future. It generally
involves six steps; oral reprimands, written reprimands, written warning,
imparting of training with the purpose to mend wherever felt necessary,
suspension and finally removal from service.

Role of discipline in Industrial Relations.

Industrial discipline refers to orderly working of the employees of an

industrial undertaking in accordance with established rules, regula-

tions and conventions. Discipline is a force that prompts an

individual to observe rules, regulations and procedures to attain an

objective. In the broad sense, discipline means orderliness — the

opposite of confusion. In an organization, discipline is the orderly

conduct of its members.

Industrial discipline can thus be defined as “the orderly conduct of

affairs by the members of an industrial organization who adhere to

its necessary regulations because they desire to co-operate

harmoniously in forwarding the end which the group has in view and

willingly recognize that to do this, their wishes must be brought into

a reasonable union with requirements of the group in action.”

Formerly, discipline meant the kind of regimentation of thought and

action that obtains in the army. Discipline is definitely something

which is opposite to chaos, irregularity and disorder in human

behavior and action. Discipline is essential for the smooth running of

an organization for a healthy industrial atmosphere that caters to

attainment of organizational goals. Discipline is also the foundation

stone of industrial democracy. Discipline may work towards a

healthy industrial environment in the following manner.

Promotes Appropriate Behavior

A disciplined environment helps put both management and

employees on their best behavior. Managers must strictly adhere to
the company's protocols in order to effectively lead those looking to
them as examples. Employees who enter this type of administration
know what the expectations are as well as the penalties for
committing infractions. This knowledge promotes appropriate
actions and conduct which are essential for a small company.
Discipline should always be used as a means of ensuring that all
employees adhere to a unified set of standards.

In an atmosphere of discipline, work environment improves

productivity of labor increases, production gears up and the

organization, as a whole, attains prosperity and achieves its

objectives and goals. Discipline may be self-imposed or enforced. In

the case of self-imposed discipline, employees regulate themselves

and their conduct but, in enforced discipline, regulation comes from

the top.

When the discipline is self-imposed, naturally there is spontaneous

work on the part of the employees and no enforcement is necessary;

motivation comes from within. It is a more powerful force for the

workers to work more. Nevertheless, occasions arise under which

managers are compelled to rely on enforced discipline for bringing in

recalcitrant employees to task. Discipline become an imperative

force and may results in industrial growth in the following manner.

Efficiency

Discipline may become a factor contributing efficiency. Efficiency is

tied to a disciplined organization. Staff members must discipline
themselves in working in a timely manner to produce quality output.
Small business owners must strive to cultivate a workplace in which
standards are set which everyone in the organization is called upon
to meet. This allows management and workers to get things done.
Discipline requires concentration, time management, and
orderliness, which all contribute to efficient labor.