Operating risk definition

What is Operating Risk?

Operating risk is the level of uncertainty associated with the core operations of a business. There are a number of possible causes of operating risk, including the following:

  • The variability of demand for products

  • The variability of prices for supplies

  • The risk of product obsolescence

  • The risk of equipment obsolescence

  • The risk associated with changes in the management team

  • The risk of failed internal processes

  • The risk of incompetent personnel

  • The risk of employee fraud

Operating risk can be mitigated to some extent by developing contingency plans for those scenarios that have a higher probability of occurrence.

Operating risk does not include any risks associated with the financing of a business.

Related AccountingTools Course

Enterprise Risk Management