How might a person react if they perceive a disciplinary action as arbitrary?

When an individual perceives a disciplinary action as arbitrary, it can lead to a strong emotional response that may manifest as hostility and immature behavior. This reaction stems from a feeling of unfairness or injustice, where the individual believes that the action taken lacks a reasonable basis or doesn't adhere to established protocols. Such perceptions can undermine trust in leadership and organizational fairness, resulting in defensive posturing or anger, manifesting as childish or petulant behavior.

This response reflects a natural human inclination to resist perceived authority when one feels wronged or misunderstood. The behavior may include acting out, refusing to comply with directives, or expressing resentment openly. In contrast, other responses such as understanding and compliance, gratitude towards a supervisor, or an increase in motivation are typically associated with fair and constructive disciplinary measures rather than arbitrary ones. These alternative reactions depend on the perception of fairness and the individual’s overall trust in the supervisor and the institutional framework.