Which of the following is a potential consequence of non-compliance?

Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties and damage to reputation, making this a highly relevant consequence. When an organization fails to adhere to regulations, it risks facing fines and sanctions from regulatory bodies. Additionally, such non-compliance can lead to lawsuits or legal actions from customers, suppliers, or other stakeholders, further compounding the legal consequences.

Moreover, a damaged reputation often follows legal issues. Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and partners, typically view compliance as a reflection of an organization's integrity and reliability. If a company is found to be non-compliant, it may lose trust and credibility in the eyes of these stakeholders, leading to long-term detriment to its business operations and prospects.

While a decrease in employee morale can occur as a result of non-compliance, it is more of an indirect effect rather than a primary consequence. Conversely, increased operational efficiency and a boost in stakeholder confidence would be outcomes associated with compliance, not non-compliance. Therefore, focusing on legal penalties and damage to reputation underscores the critical nature of maintaining compliance within an organization.