Difference between revisions of "Risk"

From Open Risk Manual
(Notes)
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== Definition ==
 
== Definition ==
The formal definition of '''Risk''' (adopted by [[ISO 31000]]) accepts that ''risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives'' and the deviation of actual outcomes from expectations.  
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The formal definition of '''Risk''' (adopted by [[ISO 31000]]) accepts that ''risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives''. In simple terms, Risk denotes the potential for developments that take an unexpected, surprising turn versus somebody's objectives.
  
== Notes ==
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The definition builds on several concepts:
* The definition puts emphasis on the ''objectives'', which are always with reference to an individual or a [[Legal Entity]]. This highlights the subjective nature of risk (from the point of view of that entity).
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* The definition puts emphasis on the element of ''surprise''. It is thus not aligned with the casual use of the term ''risk'', in that a positive deviation from expectations (an unexpected but not adverse outcome) would not normally be characterised as ''risk'' in common usage.
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* ''Objectives'' are defined with reference to an individual (a real person) or a [[Legal Entity]]. This highlights the subjective nature of risk (it is defined from the point of view of a specific entity).  
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* The effect of [[Uncertainty]] on an entity's objectives manifests as a deviation of the actual (realized) outcomes from the outcomes that were expected by the entity before hand. Outcomes may refer to any aspect of the world that is relevant for the entity.
  
 
== Examples ==
 
== Examples ==
* In a business context '''Risk''' means, ''informally'', the potential for [[Loss]] or other adverse outcome affecting an individual or an organization.  
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* In a business context '''Risk''' means, ''informally'', the potential for monetary [[Loss]] or other adverse outcome affecting an individual or an organization.  
  
 
== Issues and Challenges ==
 
== Issues and Challenges ==
* Frequently and erroneously assumed to be some combination of the probability of an event and its consequence (e.g. by constructing a product of quantitative measures of likelihood and severity)
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* The standard admits both positive and negative effects of uncertainty as being part of the Risk definition. In common usage the term Risk denotes only negative deviations (adverse outcomes). The standard is thus not aligned with the casual use of the term ''risk'', in that a positive deviation from expectations (an unexpected but beneficial outcome) would not normally be characterized as ''risk'' in common usage.
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* Frequently (and erroneously) Risk is assumed to be some combination of the probability of an event and its consequence (e.g. by constructing a product of quantitative measures such as likelihood and severity). Risk is in general not a number (not quantifiable). In certain cases 
  
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==
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* [[Risk versus Risk Factor]]
 
* [[Risk versus Risk Factor]]
 
* [[Risk versus Uncertainty]]
 
* [[Risk versus Uncertainty]]
 
== Disclaimer ==
 
This entry annotates a [https://spec.edmcouncil.org/fibo/ FIBO Ontology Class]. FIBO is a trademark and the FIBO Ontology is copyright of the EDM Council, released under the [https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT MIT Open Source License]. There is no guarantee that the content of this page will remain aligned with or correctly interprets the concepts covered by the FIBO ontology.
 
  
 
[[Category:Risk]]
 
[[Category:Risk]]
 
[[Category:Risk Management]]
 
[[Category:Risk Management]]
 
[[Category:Statistics]]
 
[[Category:Statistics]]
 
{{#set: isDefinedBy | https://spec.edmcouncil.org/fibo/ontology/FND/RiskExt/Risk/index-en.html }}
 
 
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Revision as of 18:13, 3 May 2023

Definition

The formal definition of Risk (adopted by ISO 31000) accepts that risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives. In simple terms, Risk denotes the potential for developments that take an unexpected, surprising turn versus somebody's objectives.

The definition builds on several concepts:

  • Objectives are defined with reference to an individual (a real person) or a Legal Entity. This highlights the subjective nature of risk (it is defined from the point of view of a specific entity).
  • The effect of Uncertainty on an entity's objectives manifests as a deviation of the actual (realized) outcomes from the outcomes that were expected by the entity before hand. Outcomes may refer to any aspect of the world that is relevant for the entity.

Examples

  • In a business context Risk means, informally, the potential for monetary Loss or other adverse outcome affecting an individual or an organization.

Issues and Challenges

  • The standard admits both positive and negative effects of uncertainty as being part of the Risk definition. In common usage the term Risk denotes only negative deviations (adverse outcomes). The standard is thus not aligned with the casual use of the term risk, in that a positive deviation from expectations (an unexpected but beneficial outcome) would not normally be characterized as risk in common usage.
  • Frequently (and erroneously) Risk is assumed to be some combination of the probability of an event and its consequence (e.g. by constructing a product of quantitative measures such as likelihood and severity). Risk is in general not a number (not quantifiable). In certain cases

See Also