Insubordination
Insubordination is an act of willful or intentional disobedience to orders given by a superior.
What is Insubordination?
Insubordination is an employee’s willful refusal to follow a reasonable, lawful instruction from a supervisor, distinct from simply disagreeing with a decision or making a mistake.
Why does Insubordination matter?
Insubordination is one of the most common documented grounds for disciplinary action or termination, but it has to be handled carefully and consistently to avoid wrongful termination claims.
How does Insubordination work?
A manager gives a clear, reasonable, lawful instruction; if the employee willfully refuses, the manager documents the incident and typically follows the organization’s progressive discipline policy before termination, unless the conduct is severe enough to warrant immediate action.
Frequently asked questions
Is disagreeing with a manager the same as insubordination?
No, insubordination requires a willful refusal to follow a reasonable, lawful instruction, not simply expressing disagreement or asking questions.
Can an employee refuse an instruction they believe is unsafe or illegal?
Generally yes, refusing an unsafe or illegal instruction is typically not considered insubordination, though the specifics depend on the situation and applicable law.
How BrightMove helps
BrightMove keeps a documented history of performance and conduct notes on the employee record, supporting consistent, well-documented disciplinary decisions. Explore BrightMove for staffing agencies.