Which characteristic is typically associated with sole proprietorships?

Sole proprietorships are characterized by the fact that one individual owns and operates the business. This ownership structure means that the owner is entitled to all the profits generated by the business, as there are no partners or shareholders to share the income with. This characteristic is central to the nature of sole proprietorships, where the owner retains complete control over the business decisions and enjoys the financial benefits directly.

In contrast, other ownership forms, such as partnerships or corporations, involve shared profits among multiple owners or shareholders. Therefore, the exclusive right to profit underscores the simplicity and direct nature of a sole proprietorship, distinguishing it from more complex business structures.