We have an employee in our shipping department who from time to time puts in a Purchase Order order for shipping supplies when needed. Recently this employee received a phone call from a telemarketer to purchase packaging tape. The telemarketer stated that their company did not use Purchase Orders they just billed the company. Our employee went ahead and made the agreement to purchse $3,000.00 worth of tape without the Purchase Order. The amount of tape we received was several pallets.

We do not have a policy stating that all purchases for the company must be done using a Purchase Order, but this employee should know this as he has been here for quite some time.

The production manager wants to suspend this employee for 3 days for stealing from the company. Is this disciplinary action a bit harsh? The employee did not really steal from the company as he purchased the tape for the company. The employee did not take the tape home it is at the plant.

Any suggestions on the appropriate disciplinary action for this situation?

First, do not discipline him for something he did not do, ie, theft. As you stated, it does not appear he misappropriated company funds or goods. I think it is very important to be accurate and precise as to why he is receiving the discipline.

Second, the level of discipline depends. Unless he is a member of a union, then it lies soley on the employer's discretion. Even so, I think it is best practice to treat him the same as others who have violated the same or similar policies, procedures and/or practices.