Threat

A Threat is an external condition, event, trend, or development that may negatively influence an organization's ability to achieve its strategic objectives. Threats originate outside the organization and may arise from competitors, technological disruption, regulatory change, macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical instability, environmental developments, changing customer expectations, or new business models.

Threats should be distinguished from internal weaknesses. While weaknesses reduce organizational capability, threats increase external pressure regardless of internal performance. Effective strategic analysis evaluates not only the existence of threats but also their probability, potential impact, timing, and the organization's preparedness to respond.

Not every external development represents a threat. Some changes create opportunities for organizations that adapt more rapidly than competitors.