Well, that's true and yet completely general -- therefore not particularly useful when considering specific cases. I do not believe that an employee is obliged

Well, that's true and yet completely general -- therefore not particularly useful when considering specific cases. I do not believe that an employee is obliged, in all cases, to do as you say. Once you're beyond legal and contractual (read uniform) requirements, the rest depends on the specific context. It's silly to make an absolute statement. Your literary / dogmatic phrasing raises interesting questions. Is this a special topic for you?