What Constitutes Insubordination?

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Insubordination is important to define, particularly so you can avoid trouble and potential legal action when dealing with your employment supervisor. The dictionary defines insubordination as "willful failure to obey a supervisor's lawful orders" while employment law defines it as "a willful failure to obey a supervisor or employer's lawful orders." While that seems simple, it's important to understand the landmark court cases that more clearly defined what constitutes insubordination.

Garvin v Chambers

This was a California case that clarified the entitlement of an employer or supervisor to issue a lawful order.

Sims v. Board of Trustees, Holly Springs Municipal Separate School District

Clarified the definition of insubordination as, "A constant or continuing intentional refusal to obey a direct or implied order, reasonable in nature, and given by and with proper authority."

Young v. Mississippi State Tax Commision

This 1994 case clarified the distinction that the common law definition is trumped by any contractual or statutory definition that may be relevant to a particular employer-employee relationship.

References

• Legal Definition of Insubordination