To discipline an agent for insubordination, what elements do you need?

• A. A minor dress code violation
• B. Willful disobedience of a direct order and failure to perform duties
• C. A single late submission
• D. Lack of courtesy

Answer: (B)

Insubordination hinges on two elements: a direct order from a supervisor and willful disobedience of that order along with a failure to perform duties. To justify discipline for insubordination, you need clear evidence that the supervisor gave a specific, lawful order within the agent’s duties, the agent knowingly refused or failed to comply, and that this refusal affected the performance of their assigned duties. The other issues—such as a minor dress code violation, a single late submission, or lack of courtesy—are separate kinds of misconduct and do not by themselves show intentional noncompliance with a direct instruction or a duty-based obligation. The core idea is intentional, direct noncompliance with a supervisor’s order that impacts duties.