In what context would an employee's actions be considered a breach of duty?

An employee's actions can be considered a breach of duty when they misuse confidential information. This occurs because employees are typically entrusted with sensitive information as part of their responsibilities, which they are expected to protect. Breaching this duty by disclosing, using, or mishandling confidential information not only violates the trust placed in them by the employer but can also expose the company to legal liabilities and damage its reputation.

In this case, misusing confidential information directly contradicts the ethical and legal obligations that employees have regarding the handling of private data. This breach can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action or termination, as it undermines the foundational principle of a trustworthy employer-employee relationship.

The other options may relate to a particular set of expectations or responsibilities within an employee's role but do not inherently represent a breach of duty towards the employer. For example, following supervisor advice is generally considered acting in line with expectations, delegating work could be part of effective management, and submitting reports on time reflects adherence to deadlines rather than a violation of trust or duty.