Driving Force Impacts for Environmental Scanning in Strategic Planning

Written by Max | Edited by Rory Hart

Last updated on Jul 26, 2023

Sections of this topic

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, Ph.D., Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
Adapted from the Field Guide to Nonprofit Strategic Planning and Facilitation.

Driving Forces Table reprinted with permission from Neil Gustafson, Instructor, University of St. Thomas’ “Macrocontemporary Scene” course in its Executive MBA program. (This document is referenced from Scanning in Strategic Planning.)

Also, consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Environmental Scanning

In addition to the information on this current page, see the following blogs which have posts related to this topic. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also, see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “Next” near the bottom of a post in the blog.

During strategic planning, consider the following grid when conducting a scan of the environment that is external to the organization. The grid can be used in scenario-based, strategic planning. Scenario planning is a useful technique that often provokes planners to really be strategic in their planning.

From the perspectives of each of the two alternative sets of assumptions (A and B) below, for your selected driving force (listed in the left-hand column), describe the conditions that you think might prevail in the U.S. regarding your organization. Select a certain number of years in the future in which to describe your scenario, e.g., 3, 5, 10, or 20 years out. Then compile an overview scenario for the future of your organization, based on scenarios A and B that result from considering each driving force.

Various Driving Forces That Could Effect Future of Your Organization	“A” Assumptions Best-Case Conditions/Effects	“B” Assumptions Worst-Case Conditions/Effects
Business (types, vitality, location, capital availability, management, philosophy, etc.)
Communications and access to information
Economic conditions (e.g., GNP, productivity, inflation, etc.)
Education (elementary, secondary, higher, life-long, etc.)
Employment and labor force characteristics
Energy (e.g., availability, types, uses, costs, etc.)
Environmental conditions (air, water, soil)
Equal opportunities (women, minorities)
Food (production, distribution, consumption)
Governance (structures and operations as a government)
Health and human services
Housing (types, location, conditions, costs, etc.)
International relations (economic, social, political)
Life-style conditions
Natural resources (minerals, fuels, foreign products, etc.)
Politics (voting, political parties, lobbying, methods of influence, etc.)
Population (growth or decline, composition, distribution, etc.)
Religion and ethics
Security (personal, property, crime, law enforcement, etc.)
Technology (communication, medical, military, robotics, artificial intelligence)
Transportation (auto, rail, air, etc.)
Other

For the Category of Strategic Planning:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Max

Recommended for you

How to Write a Winning Resume That Gets Noticed in 2025

A strong resume is your key to unlocking job opportunities, serving as a vital tool in your job applications. It provides a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements, helping potential employers see your value. First impressions matter, and your resume acts as a personal marketing tool, showcasing why you’re the perfect candidate for the …

Effective Strategies for Job Interviews to Secure Dream Role

Mastering job interview techniques is crucial for securing your desired position. Effective strategies include thorough company research, aligning your skills with the job requirements, and practicing common interview questions. Presenting yourself professionally, demonstrating strong communication skills, and following up promptly can significantly enhance your interview performance. By implementing these approaches, you increase your chances of …

The Gig Economy: Key Opportunities & Major Challenges

The gig economy encompasses short-term, flexible work arrangements, including freelance, contract, and project-based jobs. Enabled by digital platforms, it has proliferated, offering workers opportunities to take on flexible roles outside traditional employment. This shift has been fueled by technological advancements and changing preferences for work-life balance and autonomy. This guide will explore the opportunities and …

The Importance of Soft Skills in Career Advancement & Success

Soft skills are interpersonal, emotional, and communication-based abilities that complement hard skills, the technical or job-specific abilities required for a role. While hard skills focus on specific tasks, such as coding, designing, or analyzing data, soft skills enable individuals to navigate workplace dynamics, lead teams, and communicate effectively. In an increasingly complex and collaborative work …

Developing Emotional Intelligence for Career Success

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in oneself and others. The core components of EI include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, each contributing to how individuals interact and respond to emotional situations. High EI enhances decision-making, promotes teamwork, and strengthens leadership, all of which are …

The Role of Diversity & Inclusion in Career Growth

Diversity represents the variety of identities within a workplace, including race, gender, age, and cultural background, while inclusion refers to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Today, D&I is critical in fostering innovation, collaboration, and engagement, making them essential for organizational and individual success. This guide explores how D&I initiatives can …

Continuing Education: Is It Worth the Investment

Continuing education encompasses learning beyond traditional schooling, allowing professionals to enhance skills, gain new knowledge, and stay current. In today’s competitive job market, upskilling has become essential for career advancement and adaptability as industries evolve rapidly with technological and market shifts. Many professionals consider degrees, certifications, or skill-based courses to remain valuable in their roles. …

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome to Thrive in Your Career

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds. The term was first coined in the 1970s and commonly affects high-achieving individuals. Symptoms include persistent self-doubt, attributing success to luck rather than skill, and feeling unworthy of praise or accomplishments. Unchecked, imposter syndrome can hinder career …

Remote Work: Pros, Cons, & Best Practices for Success in 2024

Remote work, also known as telecommuting or working from home, refers to a working arrangement where employees perform their job responsibilities outside of a traditional office environment. While remote work has existed in various forms for decades, it has gained significant momentum in recent years due to technological advancements, such as high-speed internet, video conferencing, …

Understanding Company Culture & Its Impact on Workplace

Company culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization that shape the work environment and influence employee experiences. It reflects how people interact, collaborate, and approach their work, impacting everything from job satisfaction to productivity and retention. This guide explores the elements of company culture and its role in organizational success. By …

Balancing Work & Life: Practical Tips for a Happier You

Work-life balance refers to the ability to prioritize personal and professional responsibilities without allowing one to overwhelm the other. Maintaining a healthy balance is essential for personal well-being, mental health, and productivity at work. As modern work demands increase, particularly with the rise of remote work, the gig economy, and the pressure of being constantly …

Mastering Public Speaking for Career Advancement

Public speaking skills are essential for building confidence, enhancing communication, and developing leadership qualities. Effective speakers can clearly articulate ideas, influence their colleagues, and establish credibility within their organization. Proficiency in public speaking also boosts professional visibility, allowing employees to showcase expertise, inspire others, and increase their chances of career advancement. This guide provides practical …

Building Resilience in Your Professional Life: Key Strategies

Resilience in the workplace is the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive amidst challenges and pressures. In professional settings, resilience is essential for handling stress, embracing change, and overcoming setbacks. It helps individuals maintain focus and motivation, even in high-pressure situations, which can be crucial for long-term career growth. Developing resilience improves stress management, allowing …

Best Industries for Career Growth & Development in 2025

Choosing the right industry is one of the most critical decisions in shaping your career trajectory. The industry in which you work influences your immediate job opportunities and determines your potential for long-term growth, innovation, and advancement. As industries evolve, some sectors experience rapid growth due to economic shifts, technological advancements, and global trends, offering …

Mastering Effective Communication in the Workplace

Effective communication fosters collaboration, productivity, and a positive workplace culture. Clear communication helps teams work together efficiently, enhances understanding, and directly impacts employee satisfaction and motivation. When communication flows smoothly, team dynamics improve, misunderstandings decrease, and overall job satisfaction rises. This guide offers strategies and tools for improving workplace communication, emphasizing the benefits of clear, …

Get the latest Business News

Driving Force Impacts for Environmental Scanning in Strategic Planning

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Environmental Scanning

For the Category of Strategic Planning: