In a SWOT analysis, which option correctly describes internal factors?

• A. Opportunities and threats are internal factors.
• B. Strengths and opportunities are internal factors.
• C. Weaknesses and threats are internal factors.
• D. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors.

Answer: (D)

Internal factors are things the organization can influence from within. In SWOT, strengths and weaknesses are the elements that come from the organization’s own resources, capabilities, and processes—what it does well or where it falls short. External factors, on the other hand, come from the outside world and include opportunities and threats such as market trends, competition, regulations, or technological shifts. Therefore, the set that identifies internal factors as strengths and weaknesses is the best fit, because it correctly pairs what the organization controls with its internal capabilities and deficiencies. The other pairings mix internal with external factors, or describe two external factors, which doesn’t align with how SWOT separates internal and external factors.