The imposition of penalties within the framework of the system of employee discipline during the period of socialism in Poland

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to identify different forms of punishment administered on employees in Polish organisations during the socialist period. The authors discuss methods of punishment, former employees’ sentiments about their organisations’ climate and reasons for disciplinary dismissals. The material for the empirical part was collected by means of interviews. Its selection was targeted and based on snowball sampling. The majority of the interviewees claimed that the organisational climate at the time had been positive. However, acts such as favouritism of employees belonging to the ruling party, widespread shortages of tools and materials, onerous working conditions and disregard of health and safety regulations were assessed negatively. During the period under study, formal penalties were rarely applied. Managers had employment quotas to fill, and employees were not afraid of losing their jobs as they could be employed elsewhere relatively easily. Financial penalties were imposed quite often. Disciplinary dismissals were rare and occurred only when managers saw no other means of discipline left at their disposal.