The correct answer is: D. Time wage rate.
Under a time wage rate, employees are paid a fixed amount for each hour they work, regardless of how much work they produce. This means that wages are not influenced by idle time.
A straight piece rate is a method of wage payment in which employees are paid a fixed amount for each unit of output they produce. This means that wages are directly proportional to output. If an employee produces more, they earn more. If an employee produces less, they earn less.
A differential piece rate is a method of wage payment in which employees are paid a higher rate for each unit of output they produce above a certain level. This means that wages are not directly proportional to output. Employees who produce more than the standard level earn more than employees who produce less than the standard level.
A premium and bonus plan is a method of wage payment in which employees are paid a base wage plus a bonus for meeting or exceeding certain production goals. This means that wages are not directly proportional to output. Employees who meet or exceed production goals earn more than employees who do not.
Time wage rate is the most common method of wage payment. It is simple to administer and understand. It is also fair to employees who are not able to produce at a high level. However, it can lead to employees taking longer breaks or working less efficiently if they know that they will be paid the same regardless of their output.