PESTEL analysis
A PESTEL analysis is a tool or framework one can use to analyze and screen the external marketing
environment of company. The strategic management tool gauges the macro environmental factors. The results
make decision taking much easier.
POLITICAL FACTORS
Politics plays an important role in business. Some of the political factors are:
Tax policies
Stability of government
Entry mode regulations
Social policies (e.g. social welfare etc.)
Trade regulations (e.g. the EU & NAFTA)
ECONOMIC FACTORS
Economic factors are metrics that measure the health of any economic region. Some examples of economic
factors you can judge are:
Disposable income of buyers
Credit accessibility
Unemployment rates
Interest rates
Inflation
SOCIAL FACTORS
Social factors assess the mentality of the individuals or consumers in a given market. These are also known as
demographic factors. The following are some social factors to focus on:
Population demographics: (e.g. aging population)
Distribution of Wealth
Changes in lifestyles and trends
Educational levels
TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS
Technological advancements can optimize internal efficiency and help a product or service from becoming
technologically obsolete. This is a large challenge for management. Below is a list of common technological
factors:
New discoveries and innovations
Rate of technological advances and innovations
Rate of technological obsolescence
New technological platforms (e.g. VHS and DVD)
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Today consumers are willing to switch brands if they find a business is ignoring its environmental duties.
Impact on the environment is a rising concern. Few common environmental factors are:
Waste disposal laws
Environmental protection laws
Energy consumption regulation
Popular attitude towards the environment
LEGAL FACTORS
Legal considerations are critical for avoiding unnecessary legal costs. Common legal factors that companies
focus on include:
Employment regulations
Competitive regulations
Health and safety regulations
Product regulations
Antitrust laws
Patent infringements