Conducting Disciplinary Interviews

Author: Lynda A. C. Macdonald

Introduction

Disciplinary interviews represent an important aspect of an organization's disciplinary procedure. They constitute the forum at which the employee whose conduct is under investigation and the investigating manager meet on a formal basis. A disciplinary interview provides the opportunity for the employee and manager to engage in an honest two-way discussion about the matter under review, including the evidence that has been gathered prior to the meeting.

Importantly, the interview allows the employee to put forward their side of the story and provide an explanation. The outcome of the meeting should be a way forward that is acceptable to both the employer and employee about the means of achieving an improvement in the individual's performance or conduct and ensuring that there is no repeat of the misconduct. However, the interview may also lead to a disciplinary penalty up to and including termination.

This guide discusses disciplinary interviews, including setting up and preparing for the interview, questioning techniques, listening skills and deciding the outcome of the interview.