1. Pre-loss objectives
Risk management has certain objectives before a loss occurs. These objectives of risk management focus on minimizing the uncertainties, prepare for losses in the most economical way, reduce the anxiety and other necessary precautions to losses in the future. The important pre-loss objectives include the following:
Economy: The first objective is economy, which means that the firm should prepare for potential losses in the most economical way. This preparation involves an analysis of the cost of safety programs, insurance premium paid and the cost associated with the different techniques for handling losses.
Reduction of anxiety: The next objective is to reduce anxiety. Some loss exposures can make greater worry for the risk manager and key executives.
Legal obligation: The next objective is to meet legal obligations. For example, the government regulations may require a firm to install safety devices to protect workers from the harm and to label consumer products appropriately. Risk managers must see that these legal obligations are meet.
2. Post-loss objectives
These objectives are the objectives after a loss occurs. These objectives of risk management include the followings:
Survival: Some losses are so extreme and destructive that the existence of the organization is challenged. The most important post-loss objective is survival of the firm. Survival means that after a loss occurs, the firm can resume at least partial operation within some reasonable time.
Continuation in operation: Continuation in operation of the business after the loss is important for the survival of the business. The pro-loss objective is to continue operation after a loss occurs.
Stability of earning: Stability of earning is another important post-loss objective of risk management. It is necessary to maintain earning per share.
Continued growth: Continued growth of an organization is another post-loss objective of risk management. A firm can grow by developing new product, market and business strategy.