The PESTEL Framework

16 important questions on The PESTEL Framework

What is the PESTEL Model?

A framework that categorises & analyses an important set of external factors that might impinge upon a firm. These factors can create opportunities and threats for the firm.

Political
Economic
Sociocultural
Technological
Ecological
Legal

PESTEL FRAMEWORK: Political Factors

Political factors result from the processes and actions of government bodies that can influence the decisions and behaviour of firms.

What are Non-market Strategies? + Examples

Ways that are favourable to the firm.

Examples: Lobbying, public relations, litigation (lawsuit), contributions (taxes)
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PESTEL FRAMEWORK: Economic Factors

There are 5 macroeconomic factors which can affect firm strategy:


- Growth Rates
- Levels of Employment
- Interest Rates
- Price Stability (inflation/deflation)
- Currency Exchange Rates

Macroeconomic factors: What are Growth Rates?

A measure of the change in the amount of goods and services produced by a nation's economy.

What is the 'Real Growth Rate'?

It indicates the current business cycle of the economy, namely whether business activity is expanding or contracting.

What happens during economic booms?

Businesses expand their operations to satisfy demand --> more likely to be profitable

What happens during periods of economic expansion?

Consumer and business demands are rising --> firm competition decreases

Macroeconomic Factors: What are Interest Rates?

The amount that creditors are paid for use of their money and the amount that debtors pay for that use, adjusted for inflation.

What happens in periods of low real interest rates?

Firms can easily borrow money to finance growth.


Due to the fact that firms can borrow at lower real rates,  the cost of capital is reduced which enhances a firm's competitiveness.

Macroeconomic Factors: Price Stability

The lack of a change in price levels of goods and services. (which is rare)

Firms often have to deal with changing price levels caused by the amount of money in the economy.

What are Currency Exchange Rates?

They determine how many dollars one must pay for a unit of a foreign currency.

PESTEL: Sociocultural Factors

They capture a society's cultures, norms and values.

! Demographic trends are also important sociocultural factors as they capture population characteristics related to age, gender, family, size, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic class.

PESTEL: Technological Factors

They capture the application of knowledge to create new processes and products.

PESTEL: Ecological Factors

They involve broad environmental issues such as the natural environment, global warming and sustainable economic growth.

PESTEL: Legal Factors

The official outcomes of political processes of which can have a direct influence on a firm's profit potential. (as manifested in laws, mandates, regulations and court decisions)

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