An Overview of Enterprise Risk Management

One of the most critical challenges for businesses3. Improves business performance.
today is determining how much risk they can tackleThe end result is a more robust risk management
to create value. Research indicates that six out ofprocess.
ten senior executives lack confidence in theirYou must bear in mind that ERM is a journey, not a
company’s risk management practices.destination. It represents a sea change in
If you want to be one among the four who areorganizational attitude and behavior. Like any other
confident in handling risk, read on and enhance yourimportant change, the adoption of ERM is basically a
knowledge of ERM.process of building awareness, implementing and
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is defined as theultimately driving ownership throughout the
process of planning, organizing, leading and controllingorganization. What makes it all the more challenging is
the activities of an organization in order to minimizethat in any organization, individual perspectives about
the effects of risk on its capital and earnings.risk will differ.
ERM is a new approach to risk management whichTherefore, consider the following while implementing
differs from traditional ones in terms of focus,Enterprise Risk Management:
objective, scope, emphasis and application. Under the• Set objectives bearing in mind your
new approach, the uncertainties that can affect bothcompany’s capabilities. For example, are there
tangible and intangible assets of the organization areany cultural issues that might come in the way of
taken into account. Hence, ERM will help you alignenterprise-wide implementation?
your organization’s strategies, people, processes,• Develop an ERM plan and set priorities for
technology and knowledge so that the company isimplementation. Discuss the plan with your team
well equipped to handle risk.members and seek their opinion.
Again, by addressing the need for internal control• Delegate responsibilities for the role of designing,
measures, ERM helps your company anticipate andbuilding and monitoring the implementation process.
manage uncertainties better. It also enhances the• Integrate the risk management process with
enterprise’s value in the three ways listed below.your business plan.
1. Creates sustainable competitive advantage.Last but not least, be sure to factor in future goals
2. Optimizes risk management cost.and capabilities for managing critical risks.