The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the text provided in the image, the correct answer is:
Employee
Explanation
The description of Sarah’s position at the auto shop provides several key indicators that point directly to her role as an employee. Her primary function involves performing the hands on labor of car repairs and maintenance. This is the fundamental service provided by the business, and Sarah is the person who directly executes this work on behalf of the company. She is not described as managing others or setting strategic direction; instead, she is a crucial part of the operational team responsible for service delivery to customers.
A critical piece of evidence supporting this conclusion is her compensation. The text explicitly states that Sarah is paid an hourly wage. This payment method is a classic feature of an employer employee relationship, particularly for roles involving skilled labor. Unlike a business owner who earns profits or an independent contractor who might be paid a lump sum for a completed project, an hourly wage implies that the company is compensating Sarah for her time and is directing her activities during those hours. This financial arrangement establishes a clear and traditional link between her as the worker and the auto shop as the employer.
Furthermore, Sarah’s adherence to internal regulations reinforces her status as an employee. The prompt specifies that she abides by the safety guidelines outlined at the shop and ensures her work adheres to company policies. This demonstrates that the auto shop exerts significant control over how she performs her job, a defining characteristic of employment. An employer has the right to set rules for safety, quality, and general conduct in the workplace. Sarah’s compliance with these policies confirms she is operating under the company’s authority, not as an independent agent or owner. In conclusion, the combination of her specific duties, hourly payment structure, and obligation to follow company rules firmly establishes her role as an employee.
