Which of the following describes a potential issue with general partnerships?

The choice that describes a potential issue with general partnerships is the unlimited personal liability for general partners. In a general partnership, each partner is personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. This means that if the partnership faces legal issues or financial troubles, the personal assets of each partner, such as their homes or savings, can be at risk to satisfy partnership liabilities. This characteristic can deter individuals from entering into a partnership or may complicate financial planning and risk management for those involved.

While the other options may present aspects of general partnerships, they do not represent issues. For instance, a clear delineation of responsibilities is often a strength of partnerships when managed well, as partners can delineate roles based on individual expertise. Ease of establishing business goals reflects the collaborative nature of partnerships where partners can work together to establish shared objectives. Similarly, immediate profit-sharing arrangements are often considered one of the benefits of partnerships, allowing profits to be distributed according to the terms set within the partnership agreement. In contrast, unlimited personal liability stands out as a significant concern that partners must take into account when forming and operating a general partnership.