Final answer:
Autonomy is a key factor in determining the degree of independence held by a worker, contributing to job satisfaction, moral and rational development, and fulfilling a fundamental aspect of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the factors considered as the degree of independence held by the worker is autonomy. Autonomy within the workplace means that an employee has control over the terms and conditions of their work, which fosters rational development and supports moral development. Having autonomy is essential for workers as it contributes to overall job satisfaction, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.
When workers lack autonomy, it may result in a sense of alienation from their labor, as seen when workers are unable to control the conditions of their job. This concept is especially important in discussions about equity and fair treatment in an age of globalization, where the moral responsibility to treat workers fairly exists even in the absence of stringent government regulations.
As recognized by sociological theories and frameworks, such as Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, developing autonomy is a crucial task during adolescence. Also, according to self-determination theory, autonomy is one of the key factors in educational practice to promote competence and relatedness.