Diversifikcija

Diversifikcija, or diversification, is the process of increasing variety within a system to reduce risk, spread exposure, or improve resilience. It appears in fields such as finance, ecology, agriculture, and business strategy. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin diversi, meaning 'different'.

In finance, diversification means investing in a mix of asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions to reduce unsystematic risk. By combining assets with low or negative correlation, the overall portfolio volatility can be lowered without sacrificing expected return. However, diversification cannot eliminate systematic risk, and there are costs such as transaction fees and management.

In ecology and agriculture, diversification includes introducing multiple species, varieties, or habitats to increase resilience to pests, diseases, and climate variability. Crop diversification, polycultures, agroforestry, and landscape heterogeneity can support ecosystem services.

In business, diversification involves expanding products, markets, or activities beyond core offerings to spread risk, capture new growth, or achieve economies of scope. Related and conglomerate diversification are two forms; related diversification leverages existing capabilities, while conglomerate diversification has unrelated activities.

Risks and criticisms include higher costs, management complexity, and the possibility of diworsification, where added businesses underperform or drain resources. Effective diversification requires careful due diligence, resource allocation, and governance to balance breadth with focus.