Research: When Is Leniency the Right Response to Employee Misconduct?

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Research: When Is Leniency the Right Response to Employee Misconduct?

Managers often grapple with whether to be lenient or punitive when addressing employee misconduct. While leniency may seem like the empathetic or pragmatic choice, research suggests it has complex and often unintended consequences. Managers who choose leniency experience mixed emotions — pride in showing grace but guilt for deviating from rules — which can impact their energy and engagement. Meanwhile, employees closely observe managerial respon…