Final answer:
The purpose of internal control is not to increase exposure to risks. Internal controls aim to minimize risk, ensure reliable financial reporting, promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and support effective and efficient operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of internal control is not to increase exposure to risks; rather, internal control systems are designed to minimize risk. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is b. Increase exposure to risks. The main purposes of internal control are to ensure reliable financial reporting, promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and foster effective and efficient operations. These controls are essential for a company to maintain financial health and to safeguard its assets from error and fraud. They are also necessary to achieve operational goals and objectives, and to ensure that the organization is complying with the relevant laws and regulations.