Is arguing considered insubordination?

Asked by: Dr. Casandra Lind  |  Last update: May 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (16 votes)

Insubordination often accompanies or follows disrespectful or confrontational behavior towards someone in a leadership position, such as arguing with them (as opposed to respectfully and productively communicating disagreement).

Is arguing with your boss insubordination?

Disagreeing is not insubordination unless by disagreeing you refuse to perform required job tasks. Voicing an opinion is not breaking the law, but you can absolutely be held accountable and potentially lose your job if you refuse to perform your work duties.

What qualifies as insubordination at work?

Insubordination includes using disrespectful language towards the manager, disobeying or refusing to do the supervisor's direct orders, humiliatingly challenging the manager's authority in public, sabotaging work or projects, and inciting rebellion or violence.

Is yelling at your boss insubordination?

Yelling at your boss can be considered insubordination, depending on the circumstances and the company's policies. It's generally advised to express your feelings or grievances in a respectful and professional manner to avoid potential disciplinary actions.

What is the difference between disrespect and insubordination?

Insubordination applies only upwards and can only be perpetrated by a junior employee towards a senior. Disrespect on the other hand, can apply both upwards and downwards. Disrespect is therefore not necessarily linked to a person's position of authority, but can be linked to one's human dignity.

Insubordination no longer needs to be an issue for you!

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What is evidence of insubordination?

However, here are some common examples of behaviors and actions that could be classified as insubordination: Refusing to follow a direct order from an authority figure. For example, an employee might refuse to complete a task assigned to them by their manager. Disobeying company policies or procedures.

Is lack of communication insubordination?

Common causes of insubordination include lack of clear expectations, poor communication, perceived favoritism, lack of consequences for previous instances of insubordination, and personal conflicts.

Can you be fired for an outburst at work?

Well, at least under federal law, it has become more difficult for an employee to show that an emotional outburst or offensive comment is protected under the NLRA. The NLRB abandoned its previous standard in favor of a more employer-friendly standard that shifted the burden from the employer to the employee.

Can I sue my boss for yelling at me?

A lawsuit against your employer for verbal abuse is generally considered an employment law case. This type of case can get complicated, so you may want to consult an experienced employment law attorney and get a better sense of what your legal rights are before you take the plunge.

How to handle insubordinate employees argumentatively?

There are suitable ways to deal with and to prevent employee insubordination including:
  1. Don't take it personally. ...
  2. Get to know your employees. ...
  3. Provide honest feedback. ...
  4. Be a good communicator and an inclusive leader. ...
  5. Know their goals. ...
  6. Trust Your Employees. ...
  7. Document all instances of any insubordinate behavior.

Can I get fired for insubordination?

Insubordination is a serious matter in the workplace, and it can lead to the termination of your employment.

Can you write-up an employee for being disrespectful?

If an employee's disrespectful behavior is affecting other employees or customers, it's time to take action. Examples of such behavior may include bullying, harassment, discrimination, or verbal abuse. However, before taking action, ensure that you have all the facts and evidence required to justify the write-up.

Can you get fired for a verbal argument at work?

Depending on the company's policy, co-workers could receive a written disciplinary warning, suspension with a requirement to complete mandatory sensitivity training, or even termination.

Can you be fired for arguing with a boss?

So yes, you can be terminated for disagreeing with your boss.

What is not considered insubordination?

An employee's refusal to do something that is illegal, unethical or a violation of company policy would not be considered insubordination. Employee Conduct.

How do you respectfully argue with your boss?

How to Respectfully Disagree with Your Boss
  1. Be selective. Approach your manager with larger concerns that affect personal or team performance. ...
  2. Pick an appropriate time and place. Schedule a time to discuss your concerns in advance. ...
  3. Bring a solution to the table. ...
  4. Start on a positive note. ...
  5. Know when to move on.

How to prove emotional distress at work?

The two main ways to prove emotional distress damages are (1) for the employee (and their friends and family) to testify about how the discrimination caused psychological injury, and/or (2) have a doctor or mental health professional testify about the harm suffered.

What qualifies as a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment occurs when an employee's ability to perform their work is interfered with by discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other acts on the basis of their race, gender, religion, disability, age, or other characteristics depending on the law.

Can I record my boss yelling?

California Is a Two-Party Consent State

That means recording a conversation in person, over the phone or via online platforms without getting permission from all participants is illegal.

Can you terminate an employee for bad attitude?

For at-will workers, you might be better off not specifying the reason for firing them if it was for bad behavior. But for non-at-will workers, you will need to provide specific examples of their bad attitude, how it affects the workplace, and why it is grounds for termination.

Can you get fired if you cry at work?

However, if an employee is consistently crying at work, and it directly affects their work performance or that of their colleagues, it's possible that it could be a valid reason for dismissal.

What is workplace rage?

Workplace aggression is any type of hostile behavior that occurs in the workplace. It can range from verbal insults and threats to physical violence, and it can occur between coworkers, supervisors, and subordinates.

Can HR fire you without manager approval?

HR gets its power from the top. They are endowed by the company president (or whoever is in charge.) So, if HR can fire employees against the will of the employees' managers, that power comes from the president or CEO, and that can be revoked. In other words, HR only has the final say when the CEO grants it.

How to professionally say someone is not doing their job?

How to tell an employee they're underperforming
  1. Find where expectations don't align.
  2. Schedule a one-on-one.
  3. Ask how they think they are performing first.
  4. Give specific examples.
  5. Connect their goals to the expectations.
  6. Share the why.
  7. Be clear about expectations.
  8. Make a plan together.

Is a bad attitude considered insubordination?

Employers dealing with employees who have a negative and disruptive attitude often consider dismissal for insubordination and insolence.