Consequences of Salaried Employee Insubordination

Insubordination is a serious mistake in the workplace.

Employees are paid to fulfill assigned tasks. They can not decide not to fulfill a task, unless they have given explicit notification to their supervisor. When an employee deliberately refuses to obey a direct order relating to his job function, without explaining why to his supervisor, this is insubordination. The consequences for insubordination can vary by company. However, these consequences are usually severe to discourage this type of behavior.

Consequences in the Workplace

Insubordinate employees are not only a problem to their supervisors. Employee insubordination can harm the workplace atmosphere. The behavior of a disobedient employee can alienate future and current clients. In addition, employees who do not comply with company regulations can make their supervisor look ineffectual to other employees and other management. Moreover, insubordinate employees can create an unproductive and unsafe work environment.

Disciplinary Action

Employers can reserve the right to take disciplinary action against insubordinate employees. Disciplinary actions might vary by workplace. However, some common disciplinary actions include written and verbal warnings, additional training, counseling and suspension.

Termination

Terminating an employee is, for many employers, an acceptable way of dealing with insubordination. It is a last resort when all other measures have failed. Employers can fire a salaried employee for insubordination if they feel that the employee's behavior creates an unsafe work environment or has an extremely negative effect on the company.

References

• Indiana University Human Resources Services: Training. Corrective Action: The Special Case of Insubordination.
• Employee Insubordination: What You Can Do About Dealing with Employee Insubordination. Dealing with Employee Insubordination.
• Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh Employee Handbook.