Question
Explain Limitations (disadvantages) of Sole Proprietorship.

Answer

  • Introduction :
  • In sole proprietorship form only one person is the owner of business.
  • He enjoys special advantages. But this form has its own limitations, which has given birth to emergence of partnership firms.
  • So, it is necessary to study its limitations.
  • Limitations of Sole Proprietorship : are as under :
  • $(1)$ Limited Capital :
      • Establishment of business with limited capital is its first and foremost advantage.
      • But owner of sole proprietorship can collect limited capital on the basis of his voluntary savings and credit reputation.
      • This form is not advisable and suitable for large scake business.
      • Large scale purchases, purchase of big machinery, hoarding of stock in large quantity is not possible in this form of business.
  • Unlimited Responsibility :
      • In Sole Proprietary form responsibility of the owner is unlimited.
      • To pay the debt of business, sometimes he has to sell his personal property too.
      • Due to this sometimes business opportunities are seem profitable yet looking to the risk involved one has to avoid it.
  • Short Life :
      • Compare to other forms of business sole proprietor form has short life.
      • Business comes to end if the successors are not competent and bad situation like death of the owner, insanity, bankruptcy of the owner etc. take place.
      • This happens because there is only one owner.
  • Limited working capacity :
      • As there is only one owner in this form, its capital and Scope are limited.
      • It is not possible that the owner has knowledge of all business related matters.
      • He may not be an expert in all matters.
      • This is an obstacle for the development of business.
  • Faulty Decisions :
      • In sole proprietorship firm the owner is decision-maker and decision taker.
      • Sometimes decisions are taken without having done deep thinking.
      • No discussion is possible.
      • Org. of Comm. & Management
      • Decisions are taken faulty and hasty, may be immature.
      • Decisions are taken from one’s own viewpoint. Such decisions sometimes are proved hasty and faulty.
  • Unfavorable for large size Business :
      • Sole proprietorship business has its limitations of capital and scope.
      • This form is not suitable for large scale business.
      • Advantages of large scale purchase and sale are not avail in this form.
      • Its working capacity is limited.
  • Limited Scope :
      • The scope and working capacity of sole proprietorship form of business is limited.
      • Due to limited capital.
      • Business is not expanded to other cities and states.
      • He runs his business only in local area.
  • Conclusion :
  • Sole proprietorship form has above mentioned limitations but it has played an important role in creating employment for others and self-employment.
    • It fulfills the needs of local people.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free