Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is 'adapt', which reflects a business's ability to change in response to new information and maintain operational flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of business operations, inflexibility refers to the inability to quickly and effectively respond to changes. The correct word to complete the sentence 'Inflexibility is the inability of an operation to quickly and change in response to new information' is (A) adapt. This term signifies the readiness to adjust methods, processes, or products to meet new circumstances or requirements.
Businesses need to process abstract information, anticipate situations that have never yet arisen, and sometimes must make individual sacrifices for the greater good, even if not mandated. Recognizing that waiting until a crisis is clear and present can leave an organization unable to mount a timely response is critical for maintaining operational flexibility.