ABSTRACT
Each of the letters within the Macro environmental analysis (STEEPLE) framework represents a different factor within the external environment that, although beyond the organisation's direct control, is still an influence upon its activities. The framework tends to be overused within business schools and has taken on many different forms over the years, including political, economic, sociocultural and technological (PEST), sociocultural, legislative, economic, political and technological and political, economic, sociocultural, technological, legislative and ecological, amongst others. The STEEPLE template promotes proactive thinking rather than reliance upon habitual or instinctive reactions. By defining each environmental factor, this allows for a detailed review of potential impacts upon a category of spend. Many academics prefer the original PEST model, as it is thought that it offers more opportunity for strategic appreciation and analysis, rather than simply a longer list of headings. Either way, it should be noted that this model is merely a list of headings, as opposed to an analytical.
