Most states follow the employment-at-will doctrine, and employment for an indefinite term may be terminated at will and without cause. Absent a specific contract term to the contrary, this doctrine allows an employee to quit or be terminated without liability on the part of the employer or the employee, with or without cause.

But executive employees often have a written employment contract that provides for a more complex compensation structure—including incentives, bonuses, and severance pay—and limits the circumstances under which the executive may be fired or terminated to those situations in which the employer has cause for termination, as defined in the written employment agreement.

West Virginia follows the employment-at-will doctrine, which means that in the absence of a specific contract stating otherwise, either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and without incurring legal liability. However, this general rule does not apply when there is a written employment contract, particularly for executive employees. Such contracts often outline a more complex compensation structure, including incentives, bonuses, and severance pay, and may restrict the conditions under which an executive can be terminated. Typically, these contracts require 'cause' for termination, and the definition of 'cause' is usually detailed within the agreement. It is important for both employers and employees to understand the terms of any employment contract they enter into, as these terms will govern the employment relationship and any termination thereof.