What potential penalties might a plan impose on an agent found guilty of misconduct?

Withholding commissions and requiring retraining is a common approach taken by plans when dealing with agents who have been found guilty of misconduct. This penalty serves multiple purposes. Withholding commissions acts as a financial consequence, which can deter future misconduct by making it clear that inappropriate behavior will have immediate repercussions. Additionally, requiring retraining ensures that the agent has an opportunity to understand the standards and regulations they need to adhere to in their role, promoting proper conduct in the future. This dual approach discourages repeated offenses while also fostering a learning environment to correct past mistakes.

In contrast, providing a warning and offering mentorship may not be sufficient in addressing serious misconduct, as it lacks immediate consequences. Increasing commissions for good sales is unlikely to be a response to misconduct, since it would reward behaviors contrary to the rules. Submitting a report to a federal agency typically applies to severe violations, but it is not a direct penalty that the plan would impose; it more often reflects actions to enforce compliance with regulatory standards. Therefore, the option that includes withholding commissions and requiring retraining effectively addresses both accountability and improvement in agent conduct.