Date of Award

4-1983

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Dale Brethower

Second Advisor

Dr. Norman Peterson

Third Advisor

Dr. John Nangle

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study was aimed at finding out if apparent inadequate use of punishment in industry is a problem of lack of knowledge of appropriate punishment procedures on the part of punishment agents (supervisors/managers) or a problem of execution. Variables that affect the effectiveness of punishment were identified by means of a literature search, as timing, intensity , consistency, appropriateness, providing a ration ale and punishment schedules.

Test items were constructed and administered to two groups to find out if there was any consistency between participants ' recommendations about disciplinary procedures and punishment principles. Results showed that the majority of participants made recommendations that were consistent with punishment principles. The findings are consistent with the conclusion that in effective punishment is most likely an execution problem rather than a knowledge problem. Questionnaire items administered with the test items suggest that supervisors are influenced by concerns or knowledge which conflict with their use of disciplinary procedures in ways that are consistent with principles of punishment.

Download

Share

COinS