3.2.1. External Factors (PESTLE)
💡 First Principle: PESTLE is a memory aid for the six external force-categories that constrain every dimension — and its value is as a completeness check so no major external influence gets overlooked.
PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors. These are external influences outside the organization's direct control that affect all four dimensions — government policy, economic conditions, social trends, technological change, legal and regulatory requirements, and environmental considerations. An organization scans these to anticipate constraints and opportunities.
⚠️ Exam Trap: Know what each letter stands for and that they are external. The exam may offer an internal factor (like "employee skills") disguised among PESTLE options — skills belong to the organizations and people dimension, not PESTLE.
Reflection Question: Why are new data-protection regulations a PESTLE (legal) factor rather than something inside the "information and technology" dimension?
