Q. Explain Red hot stove rule?

Red hot stove rule without the continual support and regard of subordinates, no manager can get the thing done. But disciplinary action against a delinquent employee is painful and generates resentment his part. Hence, a question arises as to how to impose discipline without generating resentment. This is possible through what called the Red hot stove rule which draws an analogy b/w touching a hot stove and undergoing discipline.

According to the Red hot stove rule disciplinary action should have the following consequences:

1. Burns immediately: if disciplinary action is to be taken, it must occur immediately so the individual will understand the reason for it. With the passage of time, people have the tendency to convince themselves that they are not at fault.

2. Provides warning: it is a very important to provide advance warning that punishment will follow unacceptable behaviour. As you more closer to hot stove, you are warned by its heat that you will be burned if you touch it.

3. Gives consistent punishment: disciplinary action should also be consistent in that everyone who performs that same act will be punished accordingly. As with a hot stove, each person who touches it is burned the same.

4. Burns impersonally: disciplinary action should also be consistent if they impersonal. They are no favourites when this approach is followed. Hot stove rule, draws an analogy b/w touching a hot stove and undergoing discipline.