Being terminated for whistleblowing activities is an example of the Public-Policy exception because this legal principle protects employees from dismissal for actions that serve the public interest, such as reporting illegal or unethical behavior within an organization. Whistleblowers are often at risk of retaliation from their employers, but public-policy exceptions recognize that allowing employees to report such conduct without fear of losing their job is crucial for ethical governance and accountability within businesses.
The concept of the Public-Policy exception is grounded in the idea that certain employee activities, especially those that promote transparency, safety, or legality, should be protected to foster a healthy work environment and ensure that employees can act in the interest of the public good. This is particularly important in sectors where unethical practices might otherwise go unchecked.
In contrast, the other options relate to conduct or behaviors that do not typically invoke the Public-Policy exception. For instance, excessive absenteeism, underperformance, and refusal to adhere to dress codes are generally viewed as issues related to employment conduct that can lead to termination, rather than actions aimed at upholding public policy.