Study for the Texas AandM University MKTG321 Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

PESTLE analysis is a strategic tool used to identify and analyze the external macro-environmental factors that can impact an organization or a business. The acronym stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors. By focusing on these external forces, a PESTLE analysis helps organizations understand the broader context in which they operate and enables them to make informed decisions based on external influences.

For instance, the political landscape can include government policies and regulations that affect industry operations, while economic factors might encompass economic growth rates, inflation, and exchange rates that influence market demand. Social factors consider demographic trends and consumer behavior, technological factors assess changes in technology that could affect production or marketing strategies, legal factors involve laws and regulations that impact the business environment, and environmental factors address sustainability and ecological issues.

This comprehensive evaluation allows businesses to identify opportunities and threats in their external environment, making it critical for strategic planning and marketing. The other options focus on internal or specific financial aspects, which do not align with the focus of PESTLE analysis.