Who is identified as the principal in a work relationship?

In a work relationship, the principal is primarily identified as the employer. The employer is responsible for the overall direction, management, and policies of the workplace, creating an environment where employees work and providing them with the necessary resources to perform their duties.

This role includes overseeing the employee's actions and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. It is the employer who typically sets the objectives and guidelines under which the employees, or agents, operate. Understanding the role of the principal is crucial in comprehending the dynamics of authority and responsibility within an organizational context.

The other roles mentioned, such as the individual working under direction and the agent, refer to employees or representatives who perform tasks on behalf of the principal but are not the primary authority in the work relationship. The patient, while an important figure in the healthcare context, does not apply in this scenario as the principal in a formal employment relationship.