Formal Disciplinary Procedures and Conflict Resolution Remedies: Availability and the Effects of Size and City Manager among North Carolina Municipalities
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online March, 1993
Formal Disciplinary Procedures and Conflict Resolution Remedies: Availability and the Effects of Size and City Manager among North Carolina Municipalities
This study surveys grievance and discipline practices, focusing upon North Carolina municipal governments. Formal discipline procedures (including aspects of performance appraisal systems) and conflict resolution remedies (designed to prevent disciplinary problems) are examined. In addition, the effect of city and organizational size and that of governmental structure on these personnel practices are studied. In general, grievance and discipline practices are found in under two-thirds of the communities. However, usage does appear to increase both with municipal population and with the number of public employees. Similarly, they are more likely to be present in towns with professional managers. Conflict resolution efforts (suggestion systems, whistleblower protection, counseling, and drug and alcohol assistance) receive relatively little attention among North Carolina communities. Outside of the larger cities use is marginal at best. While manager led towns are likely to engage in such practices, this still represents but a small proportion of even those communities.
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