Disciplinary Procedures Research Articles

КОНЦЕПТУАЛНА ПИТАЊА ОДГОВОРНОСТИ ЈАВНИХ СЛУЖБЕНИКА: ИСТРАЖИВАЊЕ СПРОВЕДЕНО У ЈЕДИНИЦАМА ЛОКАЛНЕ САМОУПРАВЕ У РЕПУБЛИЦИ СРБИЈИ

Public integrity, transparency and accountability have been identified as part of the founding principles of the public sector which should be enacted in legislation and applied consistently in practice. Effective implementation of the accountability principle shall underpin integrity of public service and its legal, professional and transparent operation.The purpose of the paper is to analyze conceptual issues of public officials' accounta­bility, focusing on disciplinary responsibility and application in practice. The paper also presents the results of the research conducted in 30 local self government units in the Re­public of Serbia. The results point out the (non)efficient implementation of legal and ethi­cal rules and values concerning disciplinary procedures, sanctions, performance appraisal system in the context of possible improvements and capacity building. In order to enhance public integrity, appropriate legislative and institutional frameworks must be in place to enable public-sector organizations to take responsibility for effectively managing the integ­rity of their activities, as well as that of the public officials who carry out those activities.

Coordinating Standard Procedures of Disciplinary Actions to Conflict Resolution Techniques to Facilitate Conducive Working Environment in Zamboanga Sibugay Division

Ensuring a productive and happy work environment in educational institutions requires effective management of employee discipline and conflict resolution. This study fills in the knowledge gap about how Zamboanga Sibugay school administrators handle conflicts and use disciplinary measures. It aims to provide insights into better administrative tactics by assessing the efficacy of these practices and their effects on the workplace. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to evaluate how school administrators handle disciplinary measures and resolve conflicts. Structured questionnaires were utilized to gather quantitative data, and interviews with school officials yielded qualitative insights. The data was analyzed using statistical methods such as t-tests and z-tests, which revealed significant differences and correlations in the use of these practices. Results of the study showed that formal written warnings, formal disciplinary sessions, and verbal warnings are routinely used by school administration as forms of discipline, and the most common disciplinary action is suspension or loss of privileges, whereas termination is the least common. Furthermore, the most often used conflict resolution strategies include compromise, problem-solving teamwork, and compromise. Lastly, there were minimal relationships between the two sets of data, but significant variations were observed in the implementation of disciplinary actions and dispute-resolution strategies. The study concludes that although Zamboanga Sibugay school administrators generally follow established disciplinary procedures and conflict resolution strategies, there are variances in how they implement them. The most common disciplinary measure is suspension or loss of privileges, while the most common method of resolving conflicts is compromise. The results emphasize the necessity of a more coordinated strategy to improve company culture and successfully resolve conflicts. The study thus recommends modifications to improve organizational culture and offers insights into the effectiveness of present methods.

Mechanisms for Ensuring Professional Responsibility of Medical Workers through Contractual Means

This article examines the use of contractual mechanisms to promote and enforce professional responsibility among medical workers. As healthcare systems face increasing pressures and scrutiny, there is a growing need for effective ways to ensure high standards of care and ethical conduct. The study analyzes how employment contracts, codes of conduct, and other formal agreements can be structured to clearly delineate professional expectations, incentivize best practices, and provide accountability. Key contractual elements explored include specific performance metrics, ongoing training requirements, incident reporting protocols, and disciplinary procedures. The potential benefits and limitations of relying on contractual means to shape professional behavior are critically assessed. While contracts alone cannot guarantee responsible conduct, when thoughtfully designed and consistently enforced, they can serve as powerful tools for health organizations to uphold professional standards and protect patient welfare.

INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TURKANA CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

This study assessed the influence of parental involvement on students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted a concurrent mixed-method design. The quantitative approach used a cross-sectional survey design, while qualitative data used a case study design. The target population was 15 public secondary schools, 15 principals, 330 teachers, and 3600 students. Simple random sampling was used to select 12 out of 15 public secondary schools. Criterion purposive sampling was used to include all the 12 principals and their respective 12 deputy principals. The 116 teachers were selected using stratified simple random sampling. Systematic sampling was adopted to select 360 out of 3600 students. Data collection tools included questionnaires and an in-depth interview guide. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, which was presented in frequencies, percentages, tables and graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach and presented in the form of narratives and direct quotations. The study revealed that the principal’s administrative practices, including parental involvement, significantly influence students' discipline in public secondary schools in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya. However, parents were found not effectively involved in matters concerning students’ discipline. The study recommends that principals establish clear and consistent discipline policies that are effectively communicated to students, parents, and staff. These policies should clearly outline expected behaviors, consequences for misconduct, and disciplinary procedures. Principals should also invite parents to participate in meetings concerning student discipline, as their involvement can provide valuable insights and foster a collaborative approach to behavioral management.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0702/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Optimizing the Regulation of Nursing in the Asian Context: Development and Application of a Legal Framework

PurposeIt is essential to regulate nursing to protect the population's health. As regulation constantly changes in response to societal trends, periodic reviews of nursing regulations become imperative. Therefore, we developed a legal framework by extracting essential elements for nursing regulation and explored its potential application. MethodsThis study consisted of two parts. First, the legal framework for nursing regulation was developed through reviewing literature that mentions the content that can be included in nursing regulations, and through a content validity assessment by five experts. Second, this legal framework was applied to the nursing laws of China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan to confirm the suitability of the framework. ResultsIn the first part of the study, the legal framework for nursing regulation consisting of seven categories (purpose, definitions, standards for practice, license acquisition and registration to practice, regulatory body, protection of the legal authority of nurses, offences/penalties and disciplinary procedures) and 17 items was developed. As a result of applying this framework to nursing laws in four countries, the average utilization rate for all 17 items was 68.4%. The matching scores between the framework and the law were over 60% for all four laws. ConclusionRegulations, especially in the form of legislation, must be carefully considered because laws involve enforcement and potential penalties. This study is significant for identifying essential nursing regulation elements and offering a practical reference tool, expected to be widely utilized in future nursing policy and regulatory research.

Impact of Un-ethical Decision Making in Managing Teacher Disciplinary Matters in Public Secondary Schools in Malawi

Public administration inclusive the education sector, is catalyst for national development, it hinges citizen’s intellectual and professional development. Malawi vision 2063, for self and reliant nation incorporates New public management that calls for competent public administrators to influence delivery of quality service to Malawians. The study examines the impact of Heads unethical decisions in managing teacher disciplinary matters in public secondary schools in Malawi a case of Mzuzu City. Research implores mixed methods exploratory sequential under pragmatics paradigm. Quantitative survey uses quota sampling of estimated 9 respondents from each school within the 22 public secondary schools in Mzuzu City. Sample size of participants came to approximately 200 participants out of 514 total secondary school teachers’ population. Within each school, random sampling was utilized to identify 9 to 10 teachers. Qualitative used purposive sampling to identify one respondent from each of twenty-two secondary schools. Quantitative used semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative used interview guide to collect data. Qualitative data was transcribed and coded, codes were grouped into sub-themes and sub-themes were grouped into themes which answered research questions aided by Nvivo application. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which ended up producing tables and graphs through SPSS 20. Through bounded rationality theoretical framework, findings reveal that respondents agreed to have knowledge of disciplinary procedures. Implying that teachers expect total compliance from responsible authorities to handle teacher disciplinary matters professionally. However, Heads gave oral warnings, written warnings, suspensions and interdictions. Heads deliberately flouted the procedures. Heads unethical decisions affected teaching and learning industry; where teachers stopped teaching for a long period of time, half pay reduced victim’s economic dignity, students suffered because they had no other teachers to teach them, some teachers left the school for better place, demoralized staff, litigations and government compensated victims of arbitrary decisions, victim teachers were sociologically affected because no other teachers wanted to associate with suspended/interdicted teacher, violation of Constitutional rights and school poor performances. The impact is negative thwarting the aspirations of Malawi Vision 2063 through derailing of quality human resources, compromised future generation and continuous breeding of mediocrity. Public service administrators deliberately bring disorder in the system for personal interests. They are committing crimes of abuse of office and neglect of official duties. Citizens be enlightened to call for accountability and transparency to those acting with mediocrity of negligence, corruption and compromised character. There must be personal liability to compensate for mediocrity.

Political Dichotomy and Disciplinary Processes of Employees in Local Government Administration, A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, in Mopani District of Limpopo Province in South Africa

Political dichotomy in the disciplinary processes of local government employees has significant implications for governance and service delivery. This study focuses on the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to explore how political affiliations and influences shape disciplinary outcomes. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, the study uncovers the extent to which political considerations override procedural fairness, leading to inconsistent disciplinary measures. The findings emphasize the need for depoliticized disciplinary frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency and integrity in local governance. Political patronage and interference have been shown to affect employee morale and organizational culture negatively. In the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, specific cases of political favouritism and bias have resulted in either undue leniency or harsh disciplinary actions. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between politics and administration, highlighting the detrimental effects of political influence on the principles of accountability and transparency in local government. This research is unique in its detailed case study approach, providing a micro-level analysis that offers insights into broader national and regional trends in local government administration. It also proposes practical recommendations to mitigate political interference in disciplinary processes. By ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary procedures, local municipalities can improve service delivery and foster a more positive work environment.

The perceived fairness and consistency of SAPS disciplinary practices: The demographic analysis

Background: A plethora of organisations have paid heavy prices due to improper application and biased use of disciplinary policies and procedures. This results in serious conflict and disharmony in the workplace.Aim: This study analysed how employees’ demographical variables influence the way they perceive fairness and consistency of disciplinary practices within the South African Police Service (SAPS).Setting: The study was conducted in Gauteng provincial policing precinct of Tshwane District.Methods: This study adopted a quantitative research methodology. A Likert-type questionnaire with 24 items was administered to 286 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the inferential statistics (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test).Results: The study indicated no significant difference between the gender variables on the perceptions of the disciplinary practices of the SAPS. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the different generations. However, the study yielded a statistically significant result in terms of employee experience.Conclusion: The study suggests that employees of SAPS perceive the disciplinary practices to be arbitrary and failing to accomplish the essential objective of fairness and consistency. This study serves as a guideline to managers on how to apply the disciplinary procedures equitably and consistently in order to treat all employees fairly.Contribution: Although discipline is an important drive to employees’ ethical and professional behaviour, few studies have investigated employees’ reaction to disciplinary actions. This study has exceptionally provided the employees’ demographical analysis in relation to the perceptions of fair and consistent discipline.

Student disciplinary policies at a distance and online university in South Africa

Academic integrity is at the core of the academic project and is threatened if universities and the academics and students in them, do not take the quest of achieving academic integrity seriously. If other universities, businesses, and the general public lose trust in a specific university due to a perceived lack of academic integrity in the institution and its qualifications, this creates a threat to the sustainability of the university. In this paper I evaluate the student disciplinary policies and codes of a distance education university against the core elements of an exemplary academic integrity policy (Bretag, Mahmud, Wallace, Walker, James, Green et al., 2011). The five core elements identified by Bretag et al. (2011) are access, approach, responsibility, detail, and support. The university’s policies were evaluated against these elements and rated on whether each one has been achieved or not. This analysis is done at the policy level and also encompasses the policy experiences of this university during COVID-19, by unpacking how these policies played out when a major challenge was applied to them. Apart from the policy analysis, this paper is based on 10 months of fieldwork undertaken during 2021 when 28 people were interviewed; an analysis of policies; and an analysis of five years’ worth of records from student disciplinary procedures. I argue that the five elements for effective student disciplinary policies need to be present for the institutionalisation of academic integrity to occur.

TRUANCY RATE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DELTA STATE: IS BULLYING A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR?

This study examined impact of bullying on Delta State secondary school students' truancy rate. The study was guided with three research questions and two null hypotheses. The study adopted Ex-post-facto research design using descriptive and correlation methods. 106719 senior secondary school students from 477 public secondary schools in Delta State during the 2023/2024 academic year formed the population in this research. 672 Senior Secondary school students were selected as the study's sample from the study's overall population. The main instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. The questionnaire which titled “Impact of bullying on the rate of truancy Questionnaire” (IBRTQ) was designed by the researcher. The validity and reliability of the instrument was established with a coefficient of 0.82 and 0.772 for bullying and truancy rate respectively. Three statistical methods were used for the data analysis. They are mean, PPMCC and linear and multiple regression. The findings showed that indicate that bullying have effects on Delta State secondary school students' truancy rates, showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the rate of truancy among Delta State secondary school students and verbal bullying, showed a substantial positive correlation between the rate of truancy among Delta State secondary school students and physical bullying. Based on the conclusion it was recommended among that in order to prevent absenteeism, parents should continuously monitor and inquire about their children's school activities to find out when they are being bullied, to prevent needless punishment and bullying by instructors and older pupils, the school administration should review its disciplinary policies and procedures.

Notes: Mandatory Sanctions Miss the Mark: An Evaluation of Centre for Child Law & others v SA Council for Educators & others 2024 (4) SA 473 (SC)

Managing the conduct of public educators is the joint responsibility of the relevant provincial department of education as employer and the South African Council for Educators (educators’ council) tasked with upholding ethics in basic education. Each has its own disciplinary code and procedures to manage educator misconduct, and both include mandatory sanctions for misconduct such as assault. The Centre for Child Law challenged the disciplinary decisions by presiding officers in two assault cases where mandatory sanctions were imposed in line with the mandatory sanctions policy of the educators’ council. While the High Court found it a constitutional imperative that the educators’ council revise its mandatory sanctions policy, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) held that the policy unlawfully restricted decision- makers’ discretion. The disciplinary decisions made by the educators’ council were held to be unlawful, invalid and in breach of its constitutional obligations towards children. This note illustrates the risks posed by mandatory sanctions to the effective management of educator misconduct. It argues that the SCA judgment has broader significance for the management of misconduct, particularly assault, in public basic education and that the educators’ council and employer should abandon mandatory sanctions in response to educator misconduct.

Notes: Mandatory Sanctions Miss the Mark: An Evaluation of Centre for Child Law & others v SA Council for Educators & others 2024 (4) SA 473 (SC)

Managing the conduct of public educators is the joint responsibility of the relevant provincial department of education as employer and the South African Council for Educators (educators’ council) tasked with upholding ethics in basic education. Each has its own disciplinary code and procedures to manage educator misconduct, and both include mandatory sanctions for misconduct such as assault. The Centre for Child Law challenged the disciplinary decisions by presiding officers in two assault cases where mandatory sanctions were imposed in line with the mandatory sanctions policy of the educators’ council. While the High Court found it a constitutional imperative that the educators’ council revise its mandatory sanctions policy, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) held that the policy unlawfully restricted decision- makers’ discretion. The disciplinary decisions made by the educators’ council were held to be unlawful, invalid and in breach of its constitutional obligations towards children. This note illustrates the risks posed by mandatory sanctions to the effective management of educator misconduct. It argues that the SCA judgment has broader significance for the management of misconduct, particularly assault, in public basic education and that the educators’ council and employer should abandon mandatory sanctions in response to educator misconduct.

Current developments regarding the disciplinary procedures of academic staff in the Higher Education Law No. 2547 within the framework of the Constitutional Court’s annulment decisions

Current developments regarding the disciplinary procedures of academic staff in the Higher Education Law No. 2547 within the framework of the Constitutional Court’s annulment decisions

Disciplinary Procedures in the Early Church

The paper refers to numerous documents from the period of the early Church which give testimony to the fact that the Church was never ruled by a charismatic anarchy or boundless democracy. Nevertheless, the data concerning the arrangement of the Church, which is passed on to us through the Scriptures, specifically the New Testament, and the writings of Apostolic Fathers, is not found in the form of a systematic treatise. Rather, it is found occasionally, mostly in connection with resolving some concrete issue. It is therefore necessary to arrange these various mentions in logical accordance with one another. The text of the paper firstly analyzes the issue of charismatic authority which is, above all, described in the Acts of the Apostles, Pauline letters, and especially in the early Christian treatise, the Didache. This treatise also mentions the hierarchical duties of the bishops and deacons, which can also already be seen in the New Testament alongside the duties of apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and presbyters. Some of the Church offices mentioned have primarily a missionary role, others are established for the pastoral care of existing and stable Christian communities. The Church order described in the eighteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew is chiefly addressed to these stable communities. The First Epistle of Clement, written still in the first Christian century, gives testimony to the deposing of presbyters in the Church of Corinth and the intervention of the Roman authority in this dispute. Canon Law, which gradually begun to develop in the Church, followed directly in the footsteps of these disciplinary customs, which we know from early Christian literature.

Study of medium-high shelf life ready-to-use dough rolls for making “pizza napoletana”

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of developing an innovative technology to obtain ready-to-use dough rolls with a medium-high shelf life, useful for pizza-making within the disciplinary procedures of Pizza Napoletana production. For this purpose, dough obtained according to the classic recipe was leavened for 20 min at 25°C, divided into 250 g dough rolls, and further leavened for 8 (C8) or 16 h (C16) at 22°C before packaging. The packed samples were stored at 2.0 ± 0.5°C for 28 days. Every 7 days, colony-forming units, pH, total titratable acidity, volume, and the consistency of the dough rolls were evaluated. After 28 days, the samples with the longer leavening time (C16) exhibited similar characteristics to the fresh product. In addition, the ability of the dough to develop a pizza rim was evaluated through cooking tests after 28 days of storage: the rims of the C16 rolls were similar to that of the fresh product. These results represent an important starting point for large-scale marketing of ready-to-use dough rolls, allowing consumers to taste a real “Pizza Napoletana” (TSG) product even in pizzerias outside the Campania region.

‘You Can Sue for Anything’: Student Rights to Participate in School Disciplinary Procedures and Legal Socialisation

This study explored how participatory disciplinary systems in democratic (open) schools reflect distinct models of students’ collective rights to participate in decision making embedded in different patterns of legal socialisation. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with students, educators, and parents from three democratic schools in Israel, the study revealed contradictory approaches. One student participation model subscribes to a strictly legalistic approach, grounded in a criminal justice discourse and encompassing all aspects of the school's everyday life as well as after-school hours. A second model of participatory practices operates a flexible disciplinary system derived from mediative and therapeutic principles, applying procedural rules only in severe cases. The differences between the models indicate that participation does not inherently shape the contours of schools’ disciplinary systems. They challenge the dichotomous discourse in the literature on participation rights and legal socialisation, contrasting punitive vs. participative disciplinary methods and coercive vs. consensual approaches towards rules.

Exploring Educators’ Perception on learner’s right affecting discipline in Secondry Schools

The aim of this study was to investigate educator’s perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures in secondary schools in the Umbumbulu Circuit of KwaZulu-Natal. The paper adopted a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 10 purposively selected educators. The thematic analysis technique was employed to analyse the data. The main findings of the study indicated that educators had their own perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect the way they attend to disciplinary issues when a learner has transgressed. The educators’ perceptions of learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures for many reasons, including poor understanding of relevant education laws and policies. The results also showed that teachers think that the legislation guiding teaching and learning, as well as disciplinary procedures, are marred with contradictions, which make discipline management not only difficult, but also exposes both the learners and the educators to unsafe environments. The study also indicated that the teachers are sensitive to learners’ rights to safety, resulting in restricted attention to learners who are guilty of an offence in the school. In light of these findings, it was recommended that there should be a mandatory continuous in-service workshop for the educators, on how learner discipline can be maintained.

The Challenges Accosted by Educators in the Application of Disciplinary Procedures in Secondary Schools

The aim of this study was to investigate educator’s perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures in secondary schools in the Umbumbulu Circuit of KwaZulu-Natal. The paper adopted a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 10 purposively selected educators. The thematic analysis technique was employed to analyse the data. The main findings of the study indicated that educators had their own perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect the way they attend to disciplinary issues when a learner has transgressed. The educators’ perceptions of learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures for many reasons, including poor understanding of relevant education laws and policies. The results also showed that teachers think that the legislation guiding teaching and learning, as well as disciplinary procedures, are marred with contradictions, which make discipline management not only difficult, but also exposes both the learners and the educators to unsafe environments. The study also indicated that the teachers are sensitive to learners’ rights to safety, resulting in restricted attention to learners who are guilty of an offence in the school. In light of these findings, it was recommended that there should be mandatory continuous in-service workshops for the educators, on how learner discipline can be maintained.

Application of Natural Justice Principles in Workplace Discipline: The Need for Legal Reform in Sri Lanka

Principles of natural justice, including fair hearings and unbiased decision-makers, should apply in employee disciplinary procedures. However, Sri Lankan labor law does not statutorily require employers to conduct domestic inquiries before imposing disciplinary punishments. This study investigated whether courts continue to uphold principles of natural justice in the absence of a legal mandate requiring domestic inquiries, thereby assessing the necessity for legal reforms. Through examining legislation, case law, and academic literature, this study found courts generally only consider if a valid reason exists for the punishment, not whether fair procedures were followed. Further discrimination arises between public and private sector employees in applying natural justice principles. Reforming labor law to mandate domestic inquiries before employee punishment would strengthen natural justice rules and align with international standards like ILO Convention 158. This reform is needed to universally uphold procedural fairness in workplace discipline. Until then, the judiciary cannot fully ensure employees’ rights to fair disciplinary procedures are protected. Courts have upheld natural justice primarily under writ or fundamental rights jurisdiction, mainly benefiting public sector employees. Private sector employees lack that protection. Requiring domestic inquiries before punishment through amending the Industrial Disputes Act would fill this gap. This suggested legal reform would bolster the rule of law in Sri Lanka’s employment relations. As the law stands, employers currently have full discretion on disciplinary procedures. Statutorily mandating domestic inquiries would check that unilateral authority. This study demonstrates the need to embed fair process requirements into labor legislation to fully realize principles of natural justice.

The role of relationships, curriculum design, and program culture in improving academic and behavioral outcomes in a disciplinary alternative education program: A photovoice study

The literature on “what works” in disciplinary alternative education is inconclusive. Our current understanding of effective disciplinary alternative education programs is based primarily on quantitative data collected for administrative purposes. The voices of youth directly affected by disciplinary alternative education programs are often excluded from the conversation. To fill this gap in the literature, our study utilizes Photovoice methodology with 11 youth in disciplinary alternative education programs in the Midwest. The findings suggest the importance of positive relationships with adults, having tailored educational curriculum delivery, and addressing punitive elements of program culture for the academic and behavioral outcomes for youth with moderate to high-risk behaviors in a disciplinary alternative education setting. Youth recommend modification of the curriculum, increase in socialization activities, and improvement of disciplinary and incentive procedures.