Which two factors inhibit rivals from imitating a firm's most valuable resources?

The correct choice highlights the significance of social complexity and causal ambiguity in preventing rivals from effectively imitating a firm's most valuable resources.

Social complexity refers to the intricate web of relationships and social interactions that exist within an organization. This might include its corporate culture, the dynamics between teams, or the partnerships the company has fostered. These elements are often unique to the company and difficult for competitors to replicate because they depend on the specific social context of that organization, which may take years to develop.

Causal ambiguity relates to the challenges of understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to a firm's success. When the reasons for a firm's competitive advantage are not well understood — either because they are deeply integrated or because they are complex and multifaceted — it becomes difficult for rival firms to figure out how to duplicate those successful processes or resources. This ambiguity can guard valuable resources because, even if competitors identify that a certain resource is beneficial, they might struggle to determine how that resource works effectively within its context.

Both social complexity and causal ambiguity create significant barriers for rivals, allowing a firm to maintain its competitive edge by safeguarding its valuable resources from imitation. In contrast, other options do not accurately combine these two factors as effectively in the context of inhibiting imitation.