Final answer:
The theory describing job satisfaction based on the alignment with one's valued job characteristics is the Job Characteristics Theory. Job satisfaction is highly impacted by work content, more so than financial rewards, and is influenced by autonomy and decision-making in the workplace. Option c
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that posits job satisfaction depends on whether an individual believes their job provides the things they value is the Job Characteristics Theory (C). These job characteristics can include the degree of autonomy, the decision-making processes, freedom from surveillance, and the feeling of being integral to the work's outcome, which are all aspects that contribute to an employee's job satisfaction.
Research by Saari & Judge (2004) indicates the work-content factor, which involves the variety, difficulty level, and role clarity of the job, as the most predictive of overall job satisfaction. Financial rewards are comparatively a weaker predictor, as people tend to adjust to higher pay levels, which results in diminishing satisfaction over time.
Therefore, the most strongly predictive factor of overall job satisfaction is work content (d), due to its essential role in providing employees with rewarding and engaging job experiences. Option c