What should the approach to penalties be based on?

The approach to penalties should be based on the severity of the infraction because it ensures that the consequences are proportional to the misconduct. This principle recognizes that not all infractions carry the same weight; some may pose a greater risk to compliance, patient safety, or institutional integrity than others. By assessing the severity, organizations can implement a fair and consistent disciplinary framework that takes into account the nature and impact of each violation.

Additionally, evaluating penalties based on severity helps to uphold a culture of accountability and compliance within the organization. It encourages employees to understand the seriousness of their actions and the potential repercussions for infractions, thereby reinforcing the importance of adhering to compliance standards. This method also aids in avoiding bias that could arise from focusing on factors like an individual's previous infractions, their status within the company, or reliance on subjective managerial discretion, which could lead to inconsistencies and perceptions of unfairness.