Certification in Supplier Diversity Practice Exam

Which of the following refers to the approval of an unauthorized action after it has already been taken?

1. Ratification

2. Delegation

3. Revocation

4. Affirmation

The correct answer is: Ratification

Ratification refers to the formal approval of an unauthorized action after it has already been taken. This means that even if a person or entity acted without initial approval or authority, ratification allows for those actions to be validated or accepted retroactively. This process is commonly seen in various legal and business contexts, including contracts and agreements, where a party decides to accept the consequences or results of an action that was carried out without prior consent. Delegation involves the transfer of authority or responsibility from one party to another, which is different from ratification, as it concerns the initial granting of power rather than the acceptance of an action taken without such authority. Revocation refers to the official cancellation of an authority or action, thus opposing the concept of ratification. Affirmation is similar to ratification but typically refers to confirming or supporting a decision or action rather than approving something done without authority. Therefore, ratification is the most precise term in this context, addressing the approval of prior unauthorized actions.