What are weaknesses in a SWOT analysis?

• A. Internal Assets That Support Growth
• B. External Factors That Present Opportunities
• C. Internal Barriers to Success, Growth, or Change
• D. External Factors That May Cause Harm

Answer: (C)

Weaknesses in a SWOT analysis are internal barriers to success, growth, or change. They arise from inside the organization—limitations in resources, capabilities, processes, or performance—that hinder achieving objectives. Examples include outdated technology, gaps in skills, inefficient processes, poor leadership, limited financial resources, or a weak brand.

This is distinct from strengths (internal assets that support growth) and from opportunities and threats, which are external factors—opportunities are external chances to improve, while threats are external factors that may cause harm.

By identifying weaknesses, you can plan to address them, mitigate their impact, or convert limitations into improved capabilities, helping the organization pursue its goals more effectively.