What does insubordination look like?
Asked by: Lilian Pfeffer II | Last update: June 19, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (72 votes)
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.
What is evidence of insubordination?
What are examples of insubordination? Examples include refusing to complete assigned tasks, ignoring direct instructions, using disrespectful language towards a manager, or openly challenging authority inappropriately.
Can I get fired for insubordination?
Insubordination is a serious matter in the workplace, and it can lead to the termination of your employment.
What is the difference between insubordination and disrespect?
Insubordination applies only in an upward direction and can only be perpetrated by a junior towards a senior. Disrespect, on the other hand, can apply upwards and downwards. For example, it would be disrespectful for a manager to shout at an employee and tell him/her to “get out of the office”.
How do you identify insubordination?
The characteristics present in insubordination would be a willful, verbal refusal of instructions, willful disregard of management authority, disrespect, rudeness, rebelliousness or disobedient gestures, manner or attitude, dismissive gestures, walking away, abusive language, knocking the written instruction or ...
Managing Insubordination
What qualifies as insubordination?
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.
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.
What to do if your boss accuses you of insubordination?
- Stay calm. ...
- Learn your employer's story. ...
- Consider hiring a lawyer. ...
- Gather evidence. ...
- Write a rebuttal letter. ...
- Get the letter into your personnel file. ...
- Consider filing a lawsuit. ...
- Keep records.
How to professionally say someone is not doing their job?
- Find where expectations don't align.
- Schedule a one-on-one.
- Ask how they think they are performing first.
- Give specific examples.
- Connect their goals to the expectations.
- Share the why.
- Be clear about expectations.
- Make a plan together.
What is blatant insubordination?
Unlike other rule breaking, which can sometimes wind up being a misunderstanding, insubordination is the intentional refusal to perform a job duty or order from a supervisor or manager. This blatant refusal can lead to a bunch of different problems if not handled swiftly and properly.
What are the tests for insubordination?
There are three factors in determining insubordination: The employer gives the order. The employee acknowledges the order. The employee refuses to carry out the order.
What is serious insubordination at work?
Serious insubordination in the workplace is a string of poor behaviour an employee commits. It typically occurs when an employee refuses to follow instructions set by their employer. Or, by another senior staff member - such as their line manager.
How to counter insubordination?
Ultimately, when insubordination occurs in the workplace, it's crucial to address the issue with clarity, consistency, and fairness. By using tools like Factorial to track performance, document incidents, set clear goals, and create action plans, you can handle these situations in a constructive and respectful way.
What is passive insubordination?
Passive insubordination occurs when an employee fails to carry out an order that a supervisor has given. It can also occur when an employee does not carry out an order that has not been given by a supervisor.
What is an example of a written warning for insubordination?
Dear [Employee], This letter serves as a formal written warning regarding the insubordinate behavior displayed on [date]. The specific incident of insubordination occurred when [brief description of the behavior]. This type of behavior is not acceptable at our company and violates our code of conduct.
Is insubordination instant dismissal?
Acts of mere insolence and insubordination do not justify dismissal unless they are serious and willful. The sanction of dismissal is reserved for instances of gross insolence and gross insubordination, or the wilful flouting of the employer's instructions.
Can you refuse to do something that is not in your job description?
Can I be legally fire for refusing to perform duties that outside of my job description? Yes. Absent a contract that specifically defines the job requirements, employers can make employees' employment contingent on performing the tasks dictated at the times required.
How do you politely tell someone they are overstepping?
You can do this in person, by phone, or by email, depending on the context and urgency. Explain what the issue is, how it affects you and the team, and what you expect from them. Use specific examples and facts, not emotions or assumptions.
What is sloppy work?
adjective. If you describe someone's work or activities as sloppy, you mean they have been done in a careless and lazy way.
How do I prove my boss is sabotaging me?
- You got insufficient training. ...
- You're treated differently than your coworkers. ...
- You're left out of meetings or events. ...
- Your boss undermines your authority. ...
- You are blamed for your boss's mistakes. ...
- You're set up to fail. ...
- Your boss takes credit for your achievements. ...
- Your boss doesn't give you feedback.
What to do when your boss undermines your authority?
If your boss undermines your authority in front of your team, stay calm and address the issue privately with them. Clarify expectations, seek feedback, and document instances if necessary. If the behavior persists, consider seeking support from HR or higher management.
Can I give a warning for insubordination?
Specific consequences of insubordination often differ depending on the severity of the offense, company policies and applicable employment laws. Potential consequences may include verbal or written warnings, suspension, demotion, loss of privileges, termination of employment or legal actions in some more extreme cases.
Can I sue my boss for being disrespectful?
Employees can sue if their rights have been violated. If offensive behavior, harassment, or hostile conduct makes it hard to do your work, you may have a hostile work environment case.
What is a written warning for unprofessional behavior?
Dear (Employee's name), I am writing to inform you that your recent behavior on [date of the incident] constitutes misconduct, violating our company policies. For a better understanding of our expectations of our employees, please review our company's code of conduct and policies.
How do you shut down a disrespectful employee?
- Stay calm when facing disrespect. ...
- Listen. ...
- Give clear feedback. ...
- Document incidents. ...
- Be consistent. ...
- Enforce consequences. ...
- Check in on your employees.