As a parent to be, I hope i wouldn't have to resort to a spanking. I agree that as parents, we need to explain the rationale so that kids will learn and understand. A few of my classmates would get spanked all the time but they still remained 'rotten'.
My mum used to cane us but explain her action at the same time. I think this should be the last resort and best avoided if possible.
I can just imagine the same logic being applied in the workplace.
When an employee does the wrong thing, take them aside and hit them with a cane, but explain why you're doing it while you do it so they understand.
It just doesn't make any sense to me. :/