Risk that a business might encounter in the marketplace

In a free-market economy, firms face some degree of uncertainty, or risk. Some of this risk is controllable, and some is not. Identify the different types of risk that a business might encounter in the marketplace and identify whether they are controllable or uncontrollable. Justify your answer.

Full Answer Section
  • Competitive risk: This is the risk of competition from new entrants into the market or from existing competitors that introduce new products or services. This risk is controllable to some extent because businesses can develop strategies to compete with their rivals.
  • Technology risk: This is the risk of changes in technology that make existing products or services obsolete. This risk is also controllable to some extent because businesses can invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve.
  • Natural disaster risk: This is the risk of damage caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. This risk is uncontrollable because businesses cannot control nature.
  • Human risk: This is the risk of accidents, injuries, or illnesses caused by employees. This risk is controllable to some extent because businesses can implement safety procedures and train their employees.

It is important for businesses to identify and assess the risks that they face in order to develop strategies to mitigate those risks. By understanding the different types of risks and whether they are controllable or uncontrollable, businesses can make better decisions about how to manage their risk exposure.

Here are some specific examples of how businesses can mitigate different types of risk:

  • Economic risk: Businesses can mitigate economic risk by diversifying their operations, hedging their currency exposure, and investing in financial instruments that protect them from inflation.
  • Political risk: Businesses can mitigate political risk by lobbying the government, investing in political risk insurance, and diversifying their operations into countries with stable political environments.
  • Legal risk: Businesses can mitigate legal risk by staying up-to-date on changes in the law, hiring lawyers to review contracts, and using risk management tools such as insurance.
  • Competitive risk: Businesses can mitigate competitive risk by developing competitive strategies, investing in research and development, and building strong brands.
  • Technology risk: Businesses can mitigate technology risk by investing in research and development, staying up-to-date on the latest technologies, and developing contingency plans in case of technological disruptions.
  • Natural disaster risk: Businesses can mitigate natural disaster risk by purchasing insurance, investing in disaster recovery plans, and building their facilities in areas that are less prone to natural disasters.
  • Human risk: Businesses can mitigate human risk by implementing safety procedures, training their employees, and providing them with the necessary safety equipment.

By taking steps to mitigate risk, businesses can improve their chances of success in the marketplace.

Sample Answer

here are the different types of risks that a business might encounter in the marketplace and whether they are controllable or uncontrollable:

  • Economic risk: This is the risk of changes in economic conditions, such as interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates. This risk is uncontrollable because businesses cannot control the economy.
  • Political risk: This is the risk of changes in government policies, such as tax laws, import/export regulations, and environmental regulations. This risk is also uncontrollable because businesses cannot control the government.
  • Legal risk: This is the risk of changes in laws and regulations that affect businesses. This risk is also uncontrollable because businesses cannot control the law.