Which best describes progressive discipline?

• A. Basing the punishment on severity of offense.
• B. Avoiding repercussions from investigations of poor performance.
• C. Addressing performance issues by issuing a verbal warning, written warning, and suspension prior to termination.
• D. Using modern methods for addressing employees' problems.

Answer: (C)

Progressive discipline is a structured, stepwise approach to correcting performance or conduct problems, giving the employee a real opportunity to improve before more serious consequences are imposed. The best description describes addressing issues through a sequence: a verbal warning, followed by a written warning, and then a suspension before termination. This keeps the process fair and consistent, with clear documentation of expectations and actions taken, so employees understand what must change and managers have a record if further steps are needed.

Basing punishment on severity focuses only on the offense, not on a documented chance to improve. Avoiding repercussions from investigations would bypass accountability, which defeats the purpose of addressing performance issues. Simply stating “modern methods” is too vague and doesn’t specify the structured escalation that characterizes progressive discipline.