Does Diversification Reduce Risk?

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Diversification strategy in organization targets a number of businesses in different fields and industries. Diversification, whether into related or unrelated businesses, is usually associated with reduced risk to a company. There are some who argue that in fact there is no significant reduction in risk when diversification is practiced. As indicated by Roberts (2004, pp. 214), diversification is the point at which a number of businesses are joined, under one ownership in order to reduce risk (exposure to loss). The combination of a number of organizations is safer than individual organizations remaining independent. In effect, diversification allows the company to minimize the risk of loss from one industry by focusing on other industries where profits can be made. The idea behind this is that a company must mix existing businesses with new ones, this is essential for both growth and resource allocation (Biggadike, R. 1979). Diversification also allows a company to increase its customer base. Initially, focusing on one field would mean that the company already has a portion of the market from which it makes its profits and there is no room for growth and also makes a company vulnerable to loss if this particular customer base shifts focus to another company’s products and services . With the addition of a new segment, the company will attract a new customer base and derive more profits and also ensures that a loss of customer base in one section does not result in a total loss for the company. There are some arguments that diversification actually increases risk for an organization and that there is not actually enough evidence supporting the idea that it decreases risk (Anderson, R.I. et. al, 2011). The problem here being that many businesses lack the knowledge and expertise of fields that they venture into. In the event that an acquisition is made in
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