An advantage of the sole proprietorship form of business is:

• A. Shared decision making among partners
• B. Owner has total control
• C. Limited liability for the owner
• D. Need to form a board of directors

Answer: (B)

Ownership control is the main advantage of a sole proprietorship. The owner has the sole authority to make all decisions, implement changes, and steer the business without needing partners or a board, which leads to faster decision-making and clear accountability. Profits and losses flow directly to the owner, reinforcing that single-ownership control. The other options describe features of different business forms: shared decision making is typical of partnerships; limited liability and personal asset protection come with other structures, not sole proprietorships; and a board of directors is a corporate governance feature not used in sole proprietorships. Keep in mind, however, that this advantage comes with unlimited personal liability for the owner.