Which is a disadvantage of a general partnership?

In a general partnership, one of the key disadvantages is that general partners have unlimited personal liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership. This means that if the partnership incurs debt or is sued, the personal assets of all general partners are at risk. For example, if the partnership cannot pay its creditors, the partners' individual savings, homes, and other personal assets could be used to satisfy the partnership's liabilities. This level of risk can make potential partners hesitant to enter into a general partnership, as they may not want to put their personal finances on the line.

In contrast, options that discuss aspects like a large management base or ease of formation do not pose disadvantages; in fact, they can be seen as advantages of a general partnership because they facilitate decision-making and operational efficiency. The option related to the transfer of ownership through stock is typically associated with corporations rather than partnerships, which do not have the mechanism of stock transfer. Thus, the unlimited personal liability stands out as a significant drawback in the context of a general partnership.