Risk Tolerance
Every individual and organization has different tolerances for risk. One philosophy is not better than another, but knowing (and clearly defining) the risk tolerance (philosophy) is of great importance. With that in mind, Reliant's leadership has worked to clearly define Reliant's organizational tolerance for risk. Our tolerance for risk flows from our theology of risk. In general, Reliant believes that for the Christian, God has removed the ultimate risk by securing our eternal status before God the Father. And with the ultimate risk removed, the Christian is empowered to take Godly risks for the sake of God's Mission. For more information, please refer to Reliant's official Theology of Risk Statement.
It is our hope that Reliant's organizational risk tolerance will empower Reliant missionaries to take Godly risks for the sake of His mission. However, not every risk is wise or even possible for Reliant to facilitate. Please refer to the following chart to get a detailed look at Reliant's tolerance for risk in various situations.
Reliant's Risk Levels
* Basic risk (not listed in the trigger points for risk factors below as basic location allows for freedom of movement, freedom of expression, low crime, assess to food, stable government, and stable economy, etc.
Risk Factor | Moderate | High | Extreme |
Government Scrutiny/Interrogation | Expulsion | Short Term Detention | Long Term Detention/Execution |
Political Stability | Street Protests | Routine Infighting | Active War Zones |
Economy | Fluctuating Currency | Limitation of Cash and Commodities | No Access to Cash or Commodities |
General Terrorism | Wrong Place/Wrong Time | General Targeting of Group | Specific Targeting |
Sexual Assault | Cat Calls | Groping | Rape |
Targeted Bodily Harm | Mugging or Minor Assault | Targeted Physical Assault | Martyrdom |
Health Hazards | Potential health hazards and exposures to disease can be managed by typical vaccines and are generally easily treated by local healthcare | Potential exposure to unpreventable and untreatable health hazards or diseases with minor lingering effects | Potential exposure to unpreventable and untreatable/uncurable major diseases or health hazards with long term effects or likely death. |
Natural/Environmental | Minor Weather Patterns | Routine Risk for Severe Weather | Major Severe Weather Continually |
Isolation | Reasonable Access to Civilization | Moderate Distance from Civilization | Off the Grid |
The risk tolerance factors listed above, thought not exhaustive, will be considered when determining the International Risk Assessment and final risk levels for the various locations in which Reliant has team members or new locations Reliant partners wish to send teams. Once a risk level has been finalized, Reliant will work with the Field Leader and any approved third-party decision-makers to begin appropriate crisis preparation based on the threat level. For more details on how Reliant will work with the team in crisis preparation, please refer to the Crisis Management Plan.