SWOT Analysis
A framework for weighing the internal and the external factors that shape whether a business can reach its goals and stay competitive.
The four factors are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal and controllable; opportunities and threats are external and beyond the business's control. Results drive strategic decisions.
S and W are inside and yours to change; O and T are outside and yours to respond to.
Often Confused With
- Porter's Five Forces
- SWOT evaluates the business; Five Forces evaluates the market around it, and its result feeds SWOT's external half.
Taught In
See Also
4.4.C.1 · 4.4.C.2 · 4.4.D.3