Q.) Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counterproductive
for the organization. Discuss.
Answer:
Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to
correct disobedience. It is a much emphasized quality in the work culture of any organization but any extreme
application may have unintentional consequences. Discipline increases efficiency in an organization helps it to
achieve its objective.
In the sectors where the time factor is critical and sensitive information is involved, discipline assumes even
important place. This can be seen in military & police services where a strict adherence to discipline through
following orders and subordination is imbibed in the work culture.
How discipline can be counter-productive:
An unquestioning subordination leads to perpetuation of wrong decisions and policies made by the top
brass, due to lack of courage and alternative view point provided by subordinates.
Secondly, following the order without taking into account the merits of such an order may in fact cause
harm both to the organization and larger society. This is all visible in the case of complacent bureaucracy
remaining silent during caste and communal riots on the orders of political bosses.
Too much discipline can also lead to moral corruption as under such situation; your conscience has no role
to play. Following commands indiscriminately like what happened in Hitler’s Germany may lead to
irreparable damages.
Too much discipline can also kill creativity and eccentricity which is important for developmental tasks as
they require innovation.
Thus, discipline combined with values of compassion and conscience will help any organization to push itself
towards growth along with ethical governance.
