Lady Kess explains ow Effective Punishment Can Bring Discipline and Remorse
Punishment, when properly administered, can serve as a tool for correcting wrongdoing and encouraging people to learn from their mistakes.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie Show hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, guest Lady Kess spoke on the topic “Effective Punishment.”
She explained that the main purpose of punishment should not be revenge but rather to promote discipline and remorse in the person who has done wrong. According to her, the motive behind punishment is very important, as punishment driven by anger or revenge may fail to achieve its intended purpose.
Lady Kess noted that the effectiveness of punishment depends largely on the person administering it, the reason behind it and the approach used. She stressed that someone who has committed a serious offence should be made to understand why they are being punished. She added that punishment delivered calmly and with the intention of correcting the person is more likely to produce positive results than punishment motivated by hatred or the desire to hurt someone.
Speaking on punishment at home and in the workplace, Lady Kess explained that common forms of punishment at home include caning and kneeling down, which are traditionally used by some parents and guardians to correct children when they do something wrong. She stressed that the goal of punishment should be to teach discipline and encourage the child to recognise and correct their mistakes, rather than punish them out of anger or revenge. However, workplace discipline takes different forms. Employees may face extended working hours, loss of allowances or leave, verbal and written queries, salary deductions for lateness, and, in serious or repeated cases, dismissal. She further noted that acts such as fighting, stealing or other serious misconduct at the workplace could lead to severe disciplinary action or even arrest, depending on the offence.
Lady Kess also explained that employers may sometimes withdraw certain privileges from employees who repeatedly make the same mistakes despite being corrected. She said that when an employee continues to repeat misconduct, employers have a responsibility to take action because such behaviour can negatively affect other workers and the organisation as a whole. However, she emphasised that employers should also try to understand and find out why an employee keeps making the same mistake, particularly by speaking to the person privately and determining whether support or guidance is needed.
She urged people who are punished for wrongdoing to accept their mistakes, learn from the experience and work towards changing their behaviour. According to her, punishment should ultimately transform a person into a more disciplined individual rather than simply cause pain. Lady Kess added that when a person genuinely accepts their wrongdoing and cooperates with the punishment, those imposing the punishment may sometimes show mercy by reducing its severity or even pardoning them. She therefore advised people to admit when they are wrong and use correction as an opportunity for personal growth.
By: Anita Arthur
Discussion about this post