🌍 What is STEEPLE analysis?
Big Idea: STEEPLE identifies seven external factors that affect business decisions. These are things a business cannot control but must respond to! 🌪️
STEEPLE stands for: Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, Ethical.
The 7 external factors every business must respond to
Interactive diagram
Explore the labelled diagram, charts and maps for this topic in full study mode.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it free for 7 days:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Start your 7-day free trial Full access to Aimnova Pro · cancel anytime
📋 The seven STEEPLE factors
- Social — changing demographics, lifestyles, attitudes, health trends, ageing populations
- Technological — new tech, automation, AI, e-commerce, social media, digital disruption
- Economic — interest rates, inflation, recession, exchange rates, unemployment, economic growth
- Environmental — climate change, pollution, sustainability pressure, natural disasters, resource scarcity
- Political — government stability, trade policies, taxation, subsidies, international relations
- Legal — employment law, health and safety, consumer protection, data protection, competition law
- Ethical — fair trade, CSR expectations, environmental responsibility, working conditions, honesty
All STEEPLE factors are external — businesses must respond and adapt to them
Interactive diagram
Explore the labelled diagram, charts and maps for this topic in full study mode.
Remember STEEPLE: 'Seven Tricky External Elements Pushing Limits Everywhere!' 🧠
Never wonder what to study next
Get a personalized daily plan based on your exam date, progress, and weak areas. We'll tell you exactly what to review each day.
Try Free Study Plan7-day free trial • No card required
❓ Why does STEEPLE matter?
- Helps businesses anticipate changes in the external environment
- Supports strategic planning — prepare for opportunities and threats
- Identifies risks before they become problems
- Links directly to the O and T in SWOT analysis
Exam tip: STEEPLE factors feed into the 'Opportunities' and 'Threats' sections of SWOT. Use them together for stronger answers!
💡 STEEPLE examples
- University: Social (student demographics changing), Legal (new education regulations), Ethical (data privacy for students)
- Car manufacturer: Technological (electric vehicles), Environmental (emissions laws), Economic (interest rates on car loans)
- Fast food chain: Social (health-conscious consumers), Legal (food labelling laws), Ethical (sourcing of ingredients)
Don't just list factors — always explain HOW each factor affects the specific business in the case study.