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Derivative Misconduct and the Employee’s Duty to Act Bona Fide

Carlos Joel Tchawouo Mbiada ORCID ↗ · Livhuwani Sosanah Lavhengwa ORCID ↗

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2023 · Vol. 12 / Issue 7 · 664-668

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Overview

Abstract

In what circumstances may an employer dismiss an employee who deliberately chooses not to disclose information even though she/he was expressly requested to do so? Can a negative inference be drawn against the said employee? These questions are examined within the context of derivative misconduct which emphasises a duty placed upon employees to disclose any misconduct perpetrated by fellow employees. This duty arises out of the implied common law duty of good faith that an employee owes to his/her employer by virtue of the contract of employment. The duty of good faith is a sacrosanct principle of any employment relationship, the breach of which justifies an employee’s dismissal.

Keywords: {'name': 'Derivative misconduct, good faith, trust relationship, doctrine of common purpose'}

Authors & affiliations

Carlos Joel Tchawouo Mbiada
Affiliation not supplied

Livhuwani Sosanah Lavhengwa
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

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National Union of Metalworkers of SA on behalf of Nganezi & others v Dunlop Mixing & Technical Services (Pty) Ltd & others (Casual Workers Advice Office as Amicus Curiae) (2019) 40 ILJ 1957 (CC)

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