Which risk response is considered the core focus of risk management?

• A. Avoidance
• B. Acceptance
• C. Transference
• D. Mitigation

Answer: (D)

Risk management centers on reducing the chances and/or consequences of adverse events to an acceptable level. The best response is mitigation because it actively lowers both the likelihood of a risk occurring and the impact if it does occur through controls, safeguards, or contingency plans. Avoidance eliminates the risk by changing the plan or activities, but that isn’t always feasible; transference shifts the risk to another party without reducing the risk itself; acceptance acknowledges the risk but leaves we don’t take steps to reduce exposure. So mitigation is the focus because it directly decreases risk exposure and helps keep it within tolerable limits.