Final answer:
In a general partnership, all partners share equally in managerial decisions, profits, and losses. They benefit from shared decision-making and collective skills but face personal liability for business debts. Contrarily, limited partnerships protect silent partners from full liability, while limited liability partnerships limit liability to the amount of investment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a general partnership, all members share equally in the managerial decisions, profits, and losses involved with the investment. In this business structure, partners collaborate in running the business and all have personal liability for the business's debts, meaning they could lose personal assets if the business faces bankruptcy or legal issues. However, they also benefit from collective skills, are subject to minimal government regulation, can raise more capital than a sole proprietorship, and taxes are paid individually on each partner's share of the income.
There are risks associated with a general partnership. One significant risk is the joint responsibility for each partner's actions, including debts and business decisions. If a partnership dissolves due to a partner leaving or passing away, the original partnership ceases to exist, though the business can continue under a new arrangement.
A limited partnership offers a different dynamic, where 'silent partners' contribute financially but do not engage in day-to-day management, thus protecting themselves from full liability. Meanwhile, a limited liability partnership limits each partner’s liability to their investment in the company, safeguarding personal assets.