Insubordination vs Subordination: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to workplace dynamics, the concepts of insubordination and subordination are often discussed. These two words are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between insubordination and subordination, and why it’s important to understand the distinction between the two.

Let’s define our terms. Insubordination is the act of willfully disobeying a superior’s orders or showing a lack of respect towards authority. Subordination, on the other hand, is the act of willingly following orders and showing respect towards authority. While both words deal with the relationship between employees and their superiors, they have very different connotations.

So, which of these two concepts is the proper word to use in the workplace? The answer is both. Insubordination and subordination are both important concepts to understand in order to maintain a healthy workplace environment. Insubordination can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust between employees and their superiors, while subordination can ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the nuances of insubordination and subordination, and why it’s important to foster a culture of respect and communication in the workplace.

Define Insubordination

Insubordination refers to the act of willfully disobeying or disregarding a superior’s orders or instructions. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from outright refusal to comply with a directive to passive resistance or intentional delay in carrying out tasks. Insubordination is generally considered a serious offense in the workplace and can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Define Subordination

Subordination, on the other hand, refers to the act of willingly placing oneself in a position of lower rank or authority in relation to another person or group. This can involve following orders, adhering to established policies and procedures, and generally deferring to the judgment and decisions of those in positions of greater power. Subordination is often seen as a necessary component of effective teamwork and can help to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and without conflict.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. Insubordination and subordination are two words that are often misused. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Insubordination In A Sentence

Insubordination refers to the act of refusing to obey an authority figure or disobeying orders. It is often used in a workplace setting to describe an employee’s refusal to follow instructions from a supervisor or manager.

Here are some examples of how to use insubordination in a sentence:

• The employee’s insubordination led to his termination.
• She was fired for insubordination after repeatedly ignoring her boss’s instructions.
• The company has a zero-tolerance policy for insubordination.

It is important to note that insubordination is a serious offense in the workplace and can lead to disciplinary action or termination.

How To Use Subordination In A Sentence

Subordination, on the other hand, refers to the act of placing something in a lower or less important position. It is often used in grammar to describe the relationship between clauses in a sentence.

Here are some examples of how to use subordination in a sentence:

• The subordinate clause provides additional information about the main clause.
• She was promoted to a position of greater subordination within the company.
• The use of subordination can help to clarify the meaning of a sentence.

It is important to use subordination correctly in grammar to ensure that the sentence conveys the intended meaning.

More Examples Of Insubordination & Subordination Used In Sentences

Insubordination and subordination are two contrasting words that play a significant role in various aspects of life. To better understand these words, let’s take a look at some examples of how they can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Insubordination In A Sentence

• His insubordination towards his boss cost him his job.
• The soldier’s insubordination led to a court-martial.
• The student’s insubordination resulted in a detention.
• She was fired for her insubordination towards her supervisor.
• The employee’s insubordination caused a disruption in the workplace.
• His insubordination was a clear violation of company policy.
• The coach punished the player for his insubordination during practice.
• Her insubordination towards the teacher resulted in a suspension.
• The manager had to deal with insubordination from his subordinates.
• His insubordination was a reflection of his lack of respect for authority.

Examples Of Using Subordination In A Sentence

• The subordination of individual goals to team goals is essential for success.
• Subordination of the clause clarifies the relationship between the ideas.
• The subordination of the company’s interests to personal interests led to its downfall.
• Subordination of the ego is necessary for spiritual growth.
• The subordination of the subordinate clause to the main clause is critical for sentence structure.
• Subordination of the needs of the few to the needs of the many is a fundamental principle of democracy.
• The subordination of the project’s timeline to quality standards ensured a successful outcome.
• Subordination of the company’s financial goals to environmental concerns is a responsible business practice.
• The subordination of personal biases to objective analysis is crucial for making sound decisions.
• Subordination of personal desires to societal norms is a common theme in literature.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms insubordination and subordination, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have very different meanings and should not be confused with one another.

Using Insubordination And Subordination Interchangeably

One common mistake people make is using the term “insubordination” when they actually mean “subordination.” Insubordination refers to a deliberate refusal to obey orders or authority, while subordination refers to being under the authority or control of someone or something.

Another mistake is using “subordination” when they actually mean “insubordination.” This mistake is particularly common in situations where an employee is being reprimanded for not following orders. In such cases, the employee may argue that they were simply exercising their own judgment and not being insubordinate, when in fact they were not following orders and were therefore being insubordinate.

Tips To Avoid Confusing Insubordination And Subordination

Here are some tips to help you avoid making these common mistakes:

• Make sure you understand the definitions of both insubordination and subordination.
• Double-check your use of these terms to ensure you are using them correctly.
• If you are unsure about the correct usage, consult a dictionary or other authoritative source.
• Be aware of the context in which you are using these terms, as this can also affect their meaning.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between insubordination and subordination, it’s important to consider the context in which these terms are used. In different situations, one may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s take a closer look at how the choice between insubordination and subordination can depend on the context.

Examples Of Different Contexts

One context in which subordination is often necessary is in the workplace. Employees are expected to follow the orders of their superiors and work together as a team to achieve common goals. In this context, insubordination can be detrimental to productivity and can create a hostile work environment. However, there may be situations where insubordination is necessary, such as when an employee is asked to do something unethical or illegal.

Another context in which the choice between insubordination and subordination can depend is in the military. Soldiers are expected to follow orders without question, as their actions can have life or death consequences. In this context, insubordination can be extremely dangerous and can put the lives of others at risk. However, there may be situations where insubordination is necessary, such as when an order goes against the soldier’s moral code.

Outside of these specific contexts, there are other situations where the choice between insubordination and subordination can vary. For example, in a classroom setting, students are expected to follow the instructions of their teacher. However, if a student feels that the teacher’s instructions are unfair or unreasonable, they may choose to be insubordinate and speak out against them.

Overall, the choice between insubordination and subordination depends on the specific context in which they are used. While subordination is often necessary in certain settings, there may be situations where insubordination is necessary to uphold one’s moral code or to prevent harm. Understanding the context and making the appropriate choice can help individuals navigate complex situations and maintain positive relationships with others.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the proper use of insubordination and subordination is crucial in maintaining a professional tone, there are certain exceptions where the rules may not apply. Here are some instances where the traditional rules for using insubordination and subordination may not hold:

1. Conversational Writing

When writing in a conversational tone, it may be appropriate to use insubordination in order to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. For example, in a blog post about a personal experience, using insubordination can help to convey a sense of authenticity and relatability to the reader. However, it is important to use this technique sparingly and with discretion, as overuse of insubordination can make the writing seem unprofessional.

2. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using insubordination and subordination can be bent or even broken entirely in order to achieve a desired effect. For example, in a poem or a work of fiction, using insubordination can help to create a sense of urgency or excitement, while subordination can be used to create a more contemplative or reflective tone. Again, it is important to use these techniques with care and intention, as overuse can detract from the overall quality of the work.

3. Quotes And Direct Speech

When quoting someone directly or using direct speech, it is important to maintain the original wording and phrasing, even if it does not conform to the traditional rules for using insubordination and subordination. For example, if a person says “I don’t care what you think,” it would be incorrect to change it to “I don’t care about what you think” simply to adhere to the rules of subordination. In this case, the original wording should be preserved in order to accurately convey the speaker’s message.

4. Technical Writing

In technical writing, the rules for using insubordination and subordination may be less strict, as the primary goal is to convey information clearly and concisely. However, it is still important to use these techniques correctly in order to maintain a professional tone and avoid confusion. In some cases, it may be necessary to use insubordination in order to emphasize a specific point or to make instructions more clear, while in other cases, subordination may be necessary to organize complex information in a logical and easy-to-understand manner.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of insubordination and subordination is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Identify The Type Of Sentence

Read the following sentences and identify whether they are examples of insubordination or subordination.

Sentence	Type
The manager fired the employee for refusing to follow orders.	Insubordination
Although the project was behind schedule, the team was able to complete it on time.	Subordination
Sheila, who is the CEO of the company, made the final decision.	Subordination
The team was able to complete the project on time, despite the fact that they were short-staffed.	Subordination
John refused to follow the new safety protocol, which led to his termination.	Insubordination

Answer key:

• Sentence 1: Insubordination
• Sentence 2: Subordination
• Sentence 3: Subordination
• Sentence 4: Subordination
• Sentence 5: Insubordination

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences to make them either insubordinate or subordinate.

1. The team finished the project on time.
2. The manager fired John for not following the new safety protocol.
3. Although the weather was bad, the game was still played.

Answer key:

• Sentence 1 (Insubordination): The project was finished on time by the team.
• Sentence 2 (Subordination): John was fired by the manager for not following the new safety protocol.
• Sentence 3 (Subordination): Despite the bad weather, the game was still played.

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of insubordination and subordination in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between insubordination and subordination is crucial for effective communication. Insubordination, or the act of disobeying authority, can lead to negative consequences in both personal and professional relationships. On the other hand, subordination, or the act of submitting to authority, can help establish trust and respect in these relationships.

It is important to note that subordination does not necessarily mean blind obedience. It is possible to respectfully question authority and express disagreement while still maintaining a subordinate position. This type of communication can lead to productive discussions and solutions.

Overall, the use of proper grammar and language in communication can greatly impact how messages are received and perceived. By continuing to learn and improve in these areas, individuals can enhance their ability to effectively communicate with others.