HR Glossary

Insubordination

What is insubordination?

Insubordination is a refusal to obey a direct order from a supervisor. It can be a verbal or physical act, and it is a form of employee misconduct. Insubordination can lead to disciplinary action, including termination.

Why is insubordination a problem?

Insubordination is a problem because it can lead to a loss of productivity and a breakdown in communication. When employees refuse to follow the orders of their supervisors, it can create chaos and confusion in the workplace. In addition, it can be difficult to manage a team of employees who are not willing to cooperate or comply with the rules. In the worst case scenario, insubordination can lead to workplace violence and other forms of disruptive behavior.

How can you detect insubordination?

There are a few different ways that you can detect insubordination in your workplace. One way is to watch for verbal cues such as refusal to comply with requests, talking back, or using disrespectful language. Another way to detect insubordination is to look for nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice. If you notice any of these cues, it may be a sign that the employee is disobeying your orders. If you suspect that an employee is insubordinate, you can talk to them about it and see if they are willing to comply with your requests. If they continue to disobey your orders, you may need to take disciplinary action.

Related Terms

Subscribe

Stay one step ahead.

Be the first to hear about tips, tricks and data-driven best practices for HR professionals.