Critical Functions (Definition)

Proceses and activities which, if interrupted, will cause a business or organization to sustain a severe economic loss, or jeopardize the continued existence of the organization.

Public service organizations may define critical functions to include those whose loss would cause adverse effects to their clients. For example, a welfare office's existence may not be threatened by the temporary loss of its facilities, but the well-being of the public it serves may be severely impacted.