Enforcement is used to create Respect for the rules of behavior. When there exists a large amount of Respect, there is less need for Enforcement. Conversely, when there is minimal Respect for the rules, more Enforcement is required. The concept of Enforcement applies to both individuals and societies.

When people talk about the Carrot and the Stick, the Stick is Enforcement. Society uses criminal punishment and penalties as a means to create respect for the laws and rules of society. But Enforcement must be appropriate (Just-Right) in order to create Respect. When Enforcement is too little or not enough (Under-Enforcement), it creates Contempt for the rules of behavior. On the other hand when, Enforcement is too much (Over-Enforcement), it creates a Backlash against the rules.

Contempt is a form is disrespect for the rules. A Backlash is also a form of disrespect for the rules. It is for this reason that it is so important to apply an appropriate level of Enforcement. Enforcement by itself does not create Respect. It is only when the level of Enforcement is viewed as fair or equal to the level of violation, that Respect is created.

Enforcement is a higher level response than Communication. The use of force is part of the Physical Fence. When Communication fails, it is time to use Enforcement. The reason that Progressive Responses are so important is that the wrong level of Enforcement will not have the desired result of building Respect. It could build disrespect.

In the workplace, the Physical Fence is not the highest level of Enforcement. Higher Enforcement comes from the Institutional Fence which is the influence, rules and regulations of Government, Institutions, and Company Polices. If you find your personal boundary setting to be ineffective in a workplace setting, the next higher level response is to seek Enforcement from the appropriate branch of the Institutional Fence.