Which of the following best describes a characteristic of effective disciplinary action?

Effective disciplinary action is characterized by a progressive approach to addressing continued misconduct. This means that disciplinary measures are not only fair and consistent but also escalatory in nature, allowing the employee an opportunity to correct their behavior. Instead of jumping to the most severe punishment immediately, progressive discipline typically involves a series of steps, starting with less severe consequences and escalating if the behavior does not improve. This method emphasizes correction over punishment, aiming to help the employee understand the impact of their misconduct and engage them in a constructive way to improve future behavior.

In contrast, the other options fail to reflect effective disciplinary practices. Random and unpredictable actions do not provide employees with clear expectations or understanding of consequences, while decisions grounded solely in management discretion may lack transparency and fairness. Relying on peer evaluations can also introduce bias and complicate the disciplinary process, as it may divert focus from objective standards and consistent application of rules.