The discipline of young people in a production environment : a case study

Abstract

This work sets out to investigate the individual and organisational characteristics that may influence the behaviour and performance of young people at work and to examine the current disciplinary procedures being adopted by the organisation and their impact on the individual. Particular reference is made to the Plastic Injection Department within the Brandstatter Group - Malta after considering the high number of disciplinary actions issued to young employees compared to adults. For the purpose of this study young people within the 17 to 25 years age bracket were the main respondents. A questionnaire distributed to the young employees and interviews held with the section leaders elicited vital information about the present situation within this department. This enabled me to make suggestions for a more effective leadership style and the vocational development of the young people concerned.