You belong to a group that must make a choice about a new venture.Option One is traditional,and will yield a nice profit.Option Two is riskier,and the venture may fail completely.However,the company stands to make a much greater profit in Option Two.Should you leave this decision to the company's board of directors?

When faced with a decision about a new venture where Option One is traditional with a nice profit and Option Two is riskier with the potential for a much greater profit, the approach to making this decision should be systematic and involve the appropriate stakeholders.

As a member of the group that must make this choice, it is important to consider the following factors before deciding whether to leave the decision to the company's board of directors:

1. **Expertise and Responsibility**: The board of directors is typically composed of individuals with a broad range of expertise and a deep understanding of the company's strategic direction. They are responsible for making high-level decisions that affect the company's long-term success. If the decision about the new venture falls within the scope of their responsibilities and they have the necessary information and expertise, it may be appropriate to defer to their judgment.

2. **Risk Tolerance**: The company's overall risk tolerance should be assessed. If the company has a history of conservative decision-making and a low tolerance for risk, Option One might align better with the company's culture and strategy. Conversely, if the company is in a position to absorb potential losses and has a culture that encourages innovation and calculated risks, Option Two might be more suitable.

3. **Stakeholder Input**: It is important to consider the views of all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and potentially even suppliers. Their input can provide valuable insights into the potential risks and rewards of each option. This can be done through discussions, surveys, or meetings to gauge their perspectives.

4. **Financial Analysis**: A thorough financial analysis should be conducted to compare the expected returns and the potential risks associated with each option. This includes looking at cash flow projections, return on investment (ROI), and the impact on the company's financial health in both the best-case and worst-case scenarios.

5. **Strategic Fit**: Evaluate how each option aligns with the company's strategic goals and vision. The decision should support the long-term objectives of the company and its position in the market.

6. **Decision-Making Process**: The company's established decision-making process should be followed. If the process dictates that such decisions are made by the board, then it should be left to them. If the process is more collaborative or requires input from different levels of the organization, then that should be respected.

In conclusion, whether to leave the decision to the company's board of directors depends on the factors mentioned above. If the board has the requisite expertise, if the decision aligns with their responsibilities, and if doing so is consistent with the company's decision-making process and strategic objectives, then it may be appropriate to leave the decision to them. However, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary information, analysis, and stakeholder perspectives have been considered before the board makes an informed decision.