The business-to-business buying process is initiated by which of the following steps?

The correct response is that the business-to-business buying process is initiated by need recognition. This step involves the realization that there is a need or a problem that requires a solution, prompting a business to seek out products or services. It is crucial because it lays the groundwork for the entire buying process.

In this phase, a company identifies a specific requirement, which could arise from various stimuli, such as changes in market conditions, shifts in consumer demand, or internal challenges. Recognizing the need allows businesses to move forward into the subsequent steps, including need identification, which involves articulating and defining the specifics of what is required. Essentially, need recognition is the catalyst that triggers further evaluation and actions toward finding a suitable solution, setting in motion all other decision-making processes involved in B2B transactions.