Misfeasance: Which term describes performing a proper act in a wrongful or injurious manner?

• A. Malfeasance
• B. Misfeasance
• C. Negligence
• D. Fraud

Answer: (B)

Misfeasance means doing a legitimate or proper act, but in a way that is wrongful or injurious because of faulty execution. In physical education, this shows up when someone is allowed to perform a task or provide a service, but their technique or handling is mishandled, leading to harm. For example, a coach might supervise a drill that is appropriate in theory, but the execution is unsafe due to poor form or incorrect spotting, resulting in an injury. That fits misfeasance because the act itself is permissible, but the way it’s carried out causes harm.

This differs from malfeasance, which is carrying out an act that is illegal or prohibited from the start. Negligence focuses on failing to exercise reasonable care—often through carelessness or omission rather than performing a proper act in a wrong way. Fraud involves intentional deception for gain. So the term that best matches “performing a proper act in a wrongful or injurious manner” is misfeasance.