Which method involves maintaining the risk without any action to mitigate it?

The method that involves maintaining the risk without taking any action to mitigate it is retention. Retention occurs when an individual or organization acknowledges the risk but decides to accept the potential consequences associated with it. This approach is often chosen when the cost of mitigating the risk is greater than the potential impact of the risk itself, or when the risk is deemed manageable within the organization's overall risk tolerance. In essence, by opting for retention, the entity is recognizing the risk exists and is prepared to deal with any results that might arise from it.

In various contexts, avoidance, sharing, and reduction are methods aimed at changing the way risks are handled. Avoidance entails eliminating the risk altogether, which may involve not engaging in certain activities. Sharing involves passing on some of the risks to another party, often through insurance or partnership arrangements. Reduction focuses on implementing strategies to lessen the likelihood or impact of the risk. Retention stands apart from these methods because it is about acknowledging and keeping the risk within the organization rather than taking steps to eliminate, share, or lessen it.