---
title: "Employee Performance vs. Discipline"
description: "It is helpful to remind employers the difference between employee performance issues and discipline issues. Below is a quick reference: Performance Management Disciplinary Action Based on standards fo..."
url: https://www.dashrconsulting.com/employee-performance-vs-discipline/
date: 2014-06-02
modified: 2014-10-17
author: "Dr. Di Ann Sanchez"
image: https://www.dashrconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/employee-performance-issues.jpg
categories: ["Human Resources", "Talent Management"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Employee Performance vs. Discipline

![employee performance issues](https://www.dashrconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/employee-performance-issues.jpg)

## It is helpful to remind employers the difference between employee performance issues and discipline issues.

Below is a quick reference:

| **Performance Management** | **Disciplinary Action** |
| --- | --- |
| Based on standards for acceptable *performance* | Based on standards of *conduct* (i.e. workplace rules) |
| Occurs with regular evaluations and feedback —**requires communication** | Occurs when a rule is broken or misconduct occurs —**requires investigation** |
| Can support a termination without cause, as long as policies are consistently followed and non-discriminatory | Can support a termination, based on misconduct that rises to cause or violation of specific rules in Employee Handbook or other communications |

Reference: HR Daily, SHRM.org