Final answer:
A) Majority ownership
The individual with 'significant influence or joint control' over an investee is typically the one with majority ownership, which means holding over 50% of the company's stock. This gives them considerable power to direct business operations and decisions. Other options like sole proprietor, silent partner, and limited liability relate to different aspects of business ownership and responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Corporate Ownership and Control
The question relates to who has significant influence or joint control over an investee in a business context. The options available are
Majority ownership generally means having more than 50% of a company's stock or voting shares, which consequently grants significant influence or control over the company. This dominant stakeholder can direct business practices and decisions. In contrast, a silent partner is an investor who does not take part in day-to-day management but may have a stake in the business's profits.
A sole proprietor refers to an individual who owns an unincorporated business by themselves and has complete control over the company with the ability to direct all aspects of the business. Conversely, limited liability pertains to the financial responsibility of shareholders in a corporation, which is restricted to the amount they invested in the company; this can make raising or borrowing money for business purposes easier.
Given the context provided, both venture capitalists and situations involving issuing stock without the obligation to make payments could influence the control over an investee. A venture capitalist often has a substantial portion of the firm, which can give them considerable influence. Likewise, issuing stock allows a company to raise capital without immediate repayment obligations, facilitating growth and potentially changing control dynamics as new shareholders come on board.