What defines willful misconduct?

Willful misconduct is specifically characterized by an intentional or knowing violation of rules or regulations. This definition underscores the element of intent behind the misconduct; the actions are not merely careless or accidental. Individuals engaging in willful misconduct demonstrate a conscious choice to disregard established protocols, reflecting a deliberate decision to break the rules.

In contrast, the other options highlight actions that lack the necessary element of intent. A careless mistake made without intention does not demonstrate the conscious decision required for willful misconduct. Similarly, an unintentional violation of rules directly contradicts the idea of willful misconduct, as it implies a lack of intention to break those rules. Lastly, failure to follow up on procedures can arise from neglect or oversight and does not inherently reflect intentional wrongdoing, further distinguishing it from willful misconduct.