Which of the following is typically a characteristic of sunk costs?

Sunk costs are specifically defined as expenditures that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered regardless of future actions or decisions. This characteristic arises because sunk costs are the result of past decisions made by a business, and since they cannot be altered or retrieved, they should not impact future decision-making processes.

Recognizing sunk costs is crucial in ethical procurement and supply chain management because it encourages decision-makers to focus on future costs and benefits rather than being influenced by costs that cannot be recouped. This principle helps prevent irrational decision-making motivated by an emotional attachment to past investments, promoting a more rational and ethical approach to procurement strategies.