What defines the term "disruption" in BCP?

In the context of Business Continuity Planning (BCP), "disruption" specifically refers to an interruption that affects operations. This encompasses a wide range of events or incidents that can hinder an organization's ability to operate normally, including natural disasters, technological failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. Recognizing disruption as an interruption highlights its impact on business function, requiring strategies to ensure continuity and recovery.

While planned business activities may involve operational changes, they are not disruptions in the sense of unanticipated interruptions. Seasonal fluctuations, such as variations in business volume depending on the time of year, do not inherently threaten operational continuity and are typically manageable within standard business practices. Employee turnover, while it can impact operations, is generally a routine aspect of workforce management and not classified as an operational disruption in the context of BCP. Therefore, defining disruption specifically as an interruption that affects operations aligns closely with the overall goals of business continuity management, which aims to prepare businesses to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.