We have categorized 5 documents as STEEPLE. All documents are displayed on this page.

As Geoff Martin, former global managing partner at Monitor Group, once observed, "Without a systematic way to start and maintain a dialogue about change, you may overestimate how clear and compelling you've been." This underscores the necessity of having a cogent framework for conducting strategic analysis. One such all-encompassing analytical framework embraced by Fortune 500 corporate leaders worldwide is STEEPLE—an acronym for Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, and Ethical factors.Learn more about STEEPLE.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.


Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab




Read Customer Testimonials

  •  
    "As an Independent Management Consultant, I find Flevy to add great value as a source of best practices, templates and information on new trends. Flevy has matured and the quality and quantity of the library is excellent. Lastly the price charged is reasonable, creating a win-win value for "

    – Jim Schoen, Principal at FRC Group
  •  
    "Last Sunday morning, I was diligently working on an important presentation for a client and found myself in need of additional content and suitable templates for various types of graphics. Flevy.com proved to be a treasure trove for both content and design at a reasonable price, considering the time I "

    – M. E., Chief Commercial Officer, International Logistics Service Provider
  •  
    "I like your product. I'm frequently designing PowerPoint presentations for my company and your product has given me so many great ideas on the use of charts, layouts, tools, and frameworks. I really think the templates are a valuable asset to the job."

    – Roberto Fuentes Martinez, Senior Executive Director at Technology Transformation Advisory
  •  
    "I am extremely grateful for the proactiveness and eagerness to help and I would gladly recommend the Flevy team if you are looking for data and toolkits to help you work through business solutions."

    – Trevor Booth, Partner, Fast Forward Consulting
  •  
    "I have used FlevyPro for several business applications. It is a great complement to working with expensive consultants. The quality and effectiveness of the tools are of the highest standards."

    – Moritz Bernhoerster, Global Sourcing Director at Fortune 500
  •  
    "As a consultant requiring up to date and professional material that will be of value and use to my clients, I find Flevy a very reliable resource.

    The variety and quality of material available through Flevy offers a very useful and commanding source for information. Using Flevy saves me time, enhances my expertise and ends up being a good decision."

    – Dennis Gershowitz, Principal at DG Associates
  •  
    "I have found Flevy to be an amazing resource and library of useful presentations for lean sigma, change management and so many other topics. This has reduced the time I need to spend on preparing for my performance consultation. The library is easily accessible and updates are regularly provided. A wealth of great information."

    – Cynthia Howard RN, PhD, Executive Coach at Ei Leadership
  •  
    "I have used Flevy services for a number of years and have never, ever been disappointed. As a matter of fact, David and his team continue, time after time, to impress me with their willingness to assist and in the real sense of the word. I have concluded in fact "

    – Roberto Pelliccia, Senior Executive in International Hospitality



Flevy Management Insights: STEEPLE

As Geoff Martin, former global managing partner at Monitor Group, once observed, "Without a systematic way to start and maintain a dialogue about change, you may overestimate how clear and compelling you've been." This underscores the necessity of having a cogent framework for conducting strategic analysis. One such all-encompassing analytical framework embraced by Fortune 500 corporate leaders worldwide is STEEPLE—an acronym for Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, and Ethical factors.

The STEEPLE framework is employed widely by C-suite leaders to understand and respond to the crucial external factors impacting their organizations. A study done by McKinsey indicated that companies using comprehensive frameworks like STEEPLE for strategic planning are 33% more likely to lead in their market segments.

In simplified terms, STEEPLE involves seven key areas:

  • Social: Trends in demographics, lifestyle, consumer attitudes, etc.
  • Technological: Emerging technologies, R&D activity, automation, etc.
  • Economic: Macro-economic indicators, global trade, business cycles, etc.
  • Environmental: Environmental legislation, sustainability, climate changes, etc.
  • Political: Government policies, geopolitical uncertainties, tax regime, etc.
  • Legal: Regulatory environment, health and safety laws, employment laws, etc.
  • Ethical: consumer expectations about ethical standards, corporate social responsibility, etc.

For effective implementation, take a look at these STEEPLE best practices:

Explore related management topics: Strategic Planning Strategic Analysis Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainability

Applying the STEEPLE Framework

Applying the STEEPLE framework involves an in-depth analysis of each of the seven areas, identifying major trends, changes, or events and understanding their potential ramifications on the organization's strategic planning. An Accenture study found that 73% of executives credited the effective application of strategic analysis tools like STEEPLE for their organizations' enhanced performance management, improved operational excellence, and accelerated digital transformation.

Explore related management topics: Digital Transformation Operational Excellence Performance Management

Pitfalls to Avoid in STEEPLE Analysis

However, the successful application of the STEEPLE framework does not come without challenges. It is crucial to avoid certain common pitfalls. PwC's recent report emphasised that conducting STEEPLE analysis without clearly defined objectives could lead to strategic confusion. Additionally, ignoring global trends in a hyper-connected world is tantamount to strategic blindness.

Potential of STEEPLE in Uncertain Times

In the era of heightened global uncertainties and rapid change, STEEPLE's value proposition is even stronger. It provides a robust framework to not just respond to change but also anticipate and shape it. In a recent Gartner report, 89% of the surveyed Fortune 500 CEOs indicated they found STEEPLE critical in guiding their COVID-19 response strategy, showcasing STEEPLE's potential to address black swan events.

Explore related management topics: Value Proposition

Reminder for C-Suite: Evolving STEEPLE for the Future

Bain’s latest report warns that although STEEPLE remains an effective tool for understanding the business landscape, it must be continuously evolved and adapt to the changing environment. That means inculcating a culture of continuous learning and acquiring new knowledge in diverse areas from AI to global geopolitics.

More importantly, while understanding the "what" of the STEEPLE framework is crucial, realizing the "how" of applying it invariably determines the real impact on performance management, strategy development, and innovation initiatives. Drawing on the experience of successful strategy implementation, firms like Goldman Sachs have used the STEEPLE framework as a consistent part of their strategy development process, resulting in superior risk management and business transformation outcomes.

Lastly, the successful use of the STEEPLE framework in strategic planning is predicated on robust leadership, analytical acumen, and an ingrained culture of innovation. As Management Consulting legend Peter Drucker once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Indeed, the effective application of the STEEPLE framework provides leaders with the analytical blueprint to do just that—create a successful future for their organization amidst an ever-changing macro environment.

Explore related management topics: Business Transformation Strategy Development Risk Management Leadership Innovation

STEEPLE FAQs

Here are our top-ranked questions that relate to STEEPLE.

What role does PESTLE analysis play in identifying and mitigating risks associated with global supply chains?
PESTLE analysis is crucial for identifying and mitigating global supply chain risks by examining Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors, enabling organizations to develop comprehensive strategies for resilience and competitive advantage. [Read full explanation]
How does the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies impact the Technological component of PESTEL analysis?
The rise of AI and ML technologies significantly transforms the Technological component of PESTEL analysis, enhancing Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, Innovation, and Risk Management, while requiring navigation of ethical, legal, and operational challenges. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can PESTLE analysis inform decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions?
Discover how PESTLE Analysis informs M&A decisions by assessing Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors to mitigate risks and identify opportunities. [Read full explanation]
How does PESTLE analysis help in forecasting future industry trends?
PESTLE analysis aids in forecasting future industry trends by examining Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors, enabling businesses to align strategies for enhanced competitiveness and sustainability. [Read full explanation]

Recommended Documents

Related Case Studies

Strategic PESTEL Analysis for a Maritime Shipping Company Targeting Global Expansion

Scenario: A maritime shipping company, operating primarily in the Atlantic trade lanes, faces challenges adapting to changing global trade policies, environmental regulations, and economic shifts.

Read Full Case Study

PESTEL Transformation in Power & Utilities Sector

Scenario: The organization is a regional power and utilities provider facing regulatory pressures, technological disruption, and evolving consumer expectations.

Read Full Case Study

PESTEL Analysis for Global Life Sciences Firm

Scenario: The organization is a leading life sciences company specializing in the development of pharmaceutical products.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic PESTLE Analysis for Luxury Brand in European Market

Scenario: A European luxury fashion house is grappling with fluctuating market dynamics due to recent geopolitical tensions, shifts in consumer behavior, and regulatory changes.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic PESTLE Analysis for Media Conglomerate in Digital Transition

Scenario: The organization, a well-established media conglomerate, is navigating the complex landscape of digital transition.

Read Full Case Study

Luxury Brand Expansion in Emerging Markets

Scenario: The organization is a high-end luxury goods manufacturer looking to expand its market presence in Asia.

Read Full Case Study

Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies




Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.



Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Curve, and many more.