Scope Of Employment Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Scope Of Employment, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Scope Of Employment?

(n) Scope of employment is the extend of activities expected from an employee while normally executing the work entrusted to him or while doing the work expected of him specifically or generally. So safeguarding the property where he is employed though not specifically entrusted falls under the scope of employment. Scope of an employment determines the application of doctrine of respondent superior.

History and Meaning of Scope Of Employment

Scope of employment is a term commonly used in the field of employment law to determine the extent of activities that an employee is expected to perform while carrying out their work. It considers both work that has been specifically assigned to the employee, as well as tasks that are generally expected of them within their position. The concept of scope of employment is an important one, as it can determine whether or not an employer is liable for the actions of their employees.

The idea of scope of employment can be traced back to common law. In the early days of employment law, employers were generally not held responsible for the actions of their employees. However, as the concept of vicarious liability evolved, so too did the idea of scope of employment. Today, scope of employment is an important consideration in many legal cases, and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.

Examples of Scope Of Employment

  1. An employee of a store is responsible for helping customers and making sales. However, they are also expected to keep the store tidy and ensure that the merchandise is displayed properly. If the employee breaks a valuable item while tidying up the store, it would likely be considered within the scope of their employment.

  2. A delivery driver is responsible for delivering packages to customers. However, if they decide to run an errand for themselves during their delivery route and get into a car accident, it may be determined that their actions are outside of the scope of their employment.

  3. A nurse is responsible for providing medical care to patients. If they make a mistake that harms a patient, it would likely be considered within the scope of their employment.

Legal Terms Similar to Scope Of Employment

  1. Vicarious liability - The legal responsibility placed on an employer for the actions of their employees.
  2. Respondeat superior - A legal doctrine that holds an employer responsible for the actions of their employees.
  3. Agency - The relationship between an employer and an employee, where the employee is authorized to act on behalf of the employer.