Which sequence represents Progressive Discipline steps?

• A. Provide verbal warning; Provide written warning; Suspension; Termination
• B. Verbal warning; Written warning; Counseling; Promotion
• C. Provide verbal warning; Provide written warning; Suspend employee; Termination of employment
• D. Written warning; Verbal warning; Suspension; Termination

Answer: (C)

Progressive discipline escalates consequences to help the employee improve while clearly documenting the process. It starts with a direct verbal warning to address the issue informally, then moves to a written warning for formal documentation and clearer expectations, followed by a more serious step such as a suspension to underscore the seriousness and allow time for reflection or investigation, and ends with termination if there is no sustained improvement. This exact sequence—verbal warning, written warning, suspension, termination—embodies that escalating approach.

Other patterns don’t fit because one reverses the order (warning issued after a higher-severity step), and another introduces a nondisciplinary outcome (promotion) that wouldn’t address the performance or behavior problem. The phrasing difference between “suspension” and “suspend employee” doesn’t change the concept—the progression remains the key idea.