The perceived fairness and consistency of SAPS disciplinary practices: The demographic analysis

Abstract

Background: A plethora of organisations have paid heavy prices due to improper application and biased use of disciplinary policies and procedures. This results in serious conflict and disharmony in the workplace.

Aim: This study analysed how employees’ demographical variables influence the way they perceive fairness and consistency of disciplinary practices within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Setting: The study was conducted in Gauteng provincial policing precinct of Tshwane District.

Methods: This study adopted a quantitative research methodology. A Likert-type questionnaire with 24 items was administered to 286 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the inferential statistics (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test).

Results: The study indicated no significant difference between the gender variables on the perceptions of the disciplinary practices of the SAPS. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the different generations. However, the study yielded a statistically significant result in terms of employee experience.

Conclusion: The study suggests that employees of SAPS perceive the disciplinary practices to be arbitrary and failing to accomplish the essential objective of fairness and consistency. This study serves as a guideline to managers on how to apply the disciplinary procedures equitably and consistently in order to treat all employees fairly.

Contribution: Although discipline is an important drive to employees’ ethical and professional behaviour, few studies have investigated employees’ reaction to disciplinary actions. This study has exceptionally provided the employees’ demographical analysis in relation to the perceptions of fair and consistent discipline.