Final answer:
Maintaining excess resources to absorb unforeseen shocks is an example of a buffer in adapting to environmental uncertainty, allowing organizations to continue operations despite sudden changes or challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a buffer/slack in adapting to environmental uncertainty is b) Maintaining excess resources to absorb unforeseen shocks. This strategy involves keeping a reserve of resources which can include capital, inventory, or labor, to ensure that the organization can continue operations in the face of sudden changes or challenges in the environment it operates in.
This concept is analogous to the actions taken by individuals during periods of economic uncertainty, such as households increasing savings or reducing consumption when there is fear of a recession or during the spike in heating costs as noted from the winter of 2005. Moreover, in the business and government context, the need to have a buffer is further highlighted in situations where banks hold excess reserves due to concerns over economic instability or loan repayment capabilities during economic downturns. Likewise, the presence of surplus resources can mitigate the negative impacts of external shocks to the labor market or supply chain disruptions.