Final answer:
The primary feature of enterprise risk management is viewing risk as an integrated issue across the organization, focusing on proactive mitigation to support strategic goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary distinguishing characteristic of an enterprise risk management (ERM) framework is its perception of risk as an integrated organizational issue. Unlike traditional risk management approaches, ERM takes a holistic view of the risks that an organization faces, including strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. ERM frameworks encourage organizations to identify, assess, manage, and monitor risks in a coordinated manner across the entire organization.
One key aspect of ERM is that it is proactive rather than reactive, meaning it aims to anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialize rather than dealing with the consequences after the fact. Additionally, ERM places a significant emphasis on strategic risks that might threaten the organization's long-term goals. It also considers the values and ethical systems that impact governance and organizational behavior.
In summary, enterprise risk management is characterized by its integrated and proactive approach to managing all forms of risk within an organization. It underscores the interconnection between various risk categories and how they can affect the achievement of an organization's objectives.