infraction vs violation vs offense

[vectra]

Hello,

Here is a sentence from the article 'Why the Boss Can Steal Paper Clips, But You Better Not' by Kimberly Weisul on Bnet:

'The test subjects were then presented with a list of possible infractions, ranging in severity from using company stamps for personal mail to verbally abusing a co-worker, and then asked how strongly each “Dave” should be sanctioned.'

I am curious about the word 'infraction'. Is it used mainly in relation to rules of ethics in a company? Can it be changed for 'violation' or 'offense'?
Here are more examples from the article:

The big-shot was punished more severely for more serious infractions, such as withholding important work-related information from colleagues, verbally abusing a co-worker, or taking large kickbacks.
There is more likely to be a disparity in the punishment if the offense is against the corporation versus against an individual employee.

Why a sudden change of heart, and 'offense' is used instead of 'infraction'?

Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Allen165]

Hello,

Here is a sentence from the article 'Why the Boss Can Steal Paper Clips, But You Better Not' by Kimberly Weisul on Bnet:

'The test subjects were then presented with a list of possible infractions, ranging in severity from using company stamps for personal mail to verbally abusing a co-worker, and then asked how strongly each “Dave” should be sanctioned.'

I am curious about the word 'infraction'. Is it used mainly in relation to rules of ethics in a company? Can it be changed for 'violation' or 'offense'?
Here are more examples from the article:

The big-shot was punished more severely for more serious infractions, such as withholding important work-related information from colleagues, verbally abusing a co-worker, or taking large kickbacks.
There is more likely to be a disparity in the punishment if the offense is against the corporation versus against an individual employee.

Why a sudden change of heart, and 'offense' is used instead of 'infraction'?

Thank you very much in advance.

NOT A TEACHER.

Without looking up the words, I'd say that "offense" and "violation" have, more or less, the same meaning. "Violation" does sound stronger, though. An infraction is a minor offense.