reports ›

PESTLE Analysis for Strategic Insights

PESTLE Analysis is a strategic framework that examines six external macro-environmental factors that can impact an organization: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors. This systematic approach helps organizations anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop more resilient strategic plans.

Key reading: The Futures Toolkit

Political Factors

  • 1.1Are there any upcoming political or regulatory changes that could significantly affect our work? How might shifts in government priorities or funding influence our operations or partnerships?(open text)

Economic Factors

  • 2.1What economic trends (e.g. inflation, funding cycles, donor behavior) could pose risks or create opportunities for us? Are there financial pressures or shifts in resource availability we should prepare for?(open text)

Social Factors

  • 3.1What social or cultural trends (e.g. demographics, values, attitudes) do you see shaping our work or the needs of the communities we serve? Are there growing expectations around equity, participation, or community engagement that we should address?(open text)

Technological Factors

  • 4.1Which emerging technologies could disrupt or enhance our work in the next 2–3 years? Are there digital tools or innovations we’re under-utilizing?(open text)

Legal Factors

  • 5.1Are there legal or compliance issues (current or emerging) we should be paying closer attention to? How well do you think we are keeping pace with regulatory expectations in our field?(open text)

Environmental Factors

  • 6.1What environmental risks or sustainability concerns could impact our operations, funding, or reputation? How can we better align our work with climate or environmental responsibility?(open text)

Integration & Reflection

  • 7.1Of all the external forces mentioned, which do you think we are least prepared for? Are there any critical issues affecting the future that we have not talked about yet?(open text)