Learn practical framework every employer should ask before taking disciplinary or termination action.
Many employers - especially those in supervisory or HR roles - struggle to determine whether they have sufficient legal and procedural justification to discipline or terminate employees. Unclear policies, inconsistent application of rules, lack of documentation, and inadequate investigations can lead to costly wrongful termination claims, damage to morale, and reputational harm. Managers often act without a clear, structured approach to determining just cause, putting their organizations at legal risk. This presentation introduces a practical framework based on seven critical questions every employer should ask before taking disciplinary or termination action. Participants will learn how to evaluate employee conduct, ensure fair investigations, and determine if disciplinary action is justified and consistent with company policy and the law. Real-world case examples and best practices will guide participants through each step of the process, helping them to avoid common errors and ensure defensible decision-making. This presentation is essential for supervisors, HR professionals, and business owners who want to reduce legal exposure and foster a fair, compliant workplace.Learning Objectives
- You will be able to describe the seven critical questions that should be asked before disciplining or terminating an employee.
- You will be able to discuss the legal and organizational risks associated with im-proper discipline or termination.
- You will be able to explain how to apply a fair and objective investigative process when evaluating employee misconduct.
- You will be able to identify gaps in documentation, communication, or consistency that could undermine disciplinary actions.
Agenda
Overview
The 7 Questions Framework: Establishing Just Cause
Applying the Framework to Real-World Cases
Creating a Culture of Preventive Accountability
Questions and Final Thoughts
Speaker(s)
William J. Rothwell, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, RODC, CPTD FellowRothwell & Associates, Inc.
- President, Rothwell & Associates, Inc.
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Penn State University
- Practice emphasizes succession planning, talent development, workforce planning, and HR strategy
- Regularly speaks at national and international conferences on workforce and talent management
- Author of over 172 books, including Effective Succession Planning, The Manager’s Guide to HR, and Revolutionizing the Online Learning Journey
- Member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), Society for Human Resource Management, OD Network, Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD)
- Ph.D., DBA, M.A., M.B.A., and B.A.