The perceived fairness and consistency of disciplinary practices in selected police stations

Abstract

Orientation: The fair and consistent application of disciplinary policies and procedures in government institutions is vital to nurture professional, ethical and bias-free workspace. This further circumvents unequal treatment in the workplace which may lead to aggrieved civil servants and a hostile work environment.

Research purpose: This study evaluated the perceived fairness and consistency of the disciplinary practices within the South African Police Service.

Motivation for the study: Literature has established that employees of the Police Service and their representatives often felt that the disciplinary actions and procedures applied by the organisation were biased and failed to accomplish the essential goals of objectivity and consistency.

Research approach/design and method: Quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 286 employees of the South African Police Service based in the Tshwane District. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Main findings: The findings revealed that employees from the four police stations held a general perception that the disciplinary practices of South African Police Service (SAPS) are applied unfairly and inconsistently. Employees from Sunnyside Police Station held a more different perception as compared to employees from Pretoria West and Brooklyn Police Stations.

Practical/managerial implications: Disciplinary policies that embrace and foster principles of uniform conduct across, thus improving employees’ morale and maintaining a healthy working environment are vital.

Contribution/value-add: A plethora of research has been conducted exclusively on the effectiveness of disciplinary procedures. Therefore, this study has uniquely provided significant insights into the partiality of disciplinary practices.