What does the duty to obey lawful and reasonable orders entail?

The duty to obey lawful and reasonable orders entails following instructions that are legal and sensible. This principle is often applied in the context of employment relationships, where employees are expected to adhere to directives that their employers provide as long as those directives do not violate laws or ethical standards and are within the realm of reasonableness.

This duty emphasizes the importance of legality and sensibility in the instructions given. Orders must not only be enforceable by law but also practical and achievable under the circumstances. Employees are not required to follow orders that could lead to illegal activities or pose undue harm. This creates a balanced relationship between employer expectations and employee rights, ensuring that compliance does not lead to legal issues or ethical dilemmas.

In contrast to the other options, an expectation to follow any instruction without question fails to consider the necessity of assessing the legality and reasonableness of the directive. Prioritizing personal judgment over instruction disregards the foundational premise of obedience and undermines managerial authority. Lastly, responding to management requests only, without regard for legality and reasonableness, does not encompass the full scope of the duty, which must also include the assessment of the nature of those requests.