In SWOT analysis, which option correctly identifies external factors?

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

Answer: (C)

In SWOT analysis, external factors are conditions coming from outside the organization that you can’t directly control. Opportunities are favorable external situations you can capitalize on, and threats are external challenges that could hinder achieving goals. That’s why this option identifies external factors as opportunities and threats. Internal factors, by contrast, are strengths and weaknesses—things originating inside the organization that you can influence through resources, capabilities, and processes. The other pairings mix internal and external elements, which is not how external factors are defined.