What term describes acting independently without following a superior's orders?

The term that best describes acting independently without following a superior's orders is freelancing. In the context of emergency response, freelancing refers to individuals making decisions and taking actions on their own rather than adhering to the established command structure. This can pose significant risks during incidents, as coordinated efforts are crucial for safety and effectiveness. When responders act as freelancers, they may disrupt the chain of command, potentially leading to confusion and safety hazards. Understanding this concept is vital for promoting teamwork and effective communication among fire service personnel, ensuring that all actions taken during an emergency are aligned with the overall strategy and objectives set by incident commanders.

While terms like autonomy, delegation, and self-management involve aspects of independence, they do not specifically capture the idea of disregarding orders or the command structure inherent in freelancing.