UNJUST DISMISSAL IN THE CONTEXT OF ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE

The issue of unjust dismissal is best understood by placing it in the broader context of a comprehensive model of organizational justice. Th is article presents such a model based on the application of two perce ived principles of justice (balance and correctness) in an organizatio n's pursuit of three goals (performance, community, and dignity), at t hree organizational levels (outcome, procedure, and system). For perce ived fairness to exist, the system must be adequate at each level. The theory of organizational justice is applied to the creation, implemen tation, and interpretation of disciplinary policies and rules. The art icle concludes by providing prescriptive advice for the design and ope ration of discipline and discharge systems, based on the model present ed, and suggests that they include written warnings, the opportunity o f a hearing, the right be represented, the right to appeal, and reinfo rcement of the system through a broad statutory framework.