A SWOT analysis is a planning tool which seeks to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a project or organisation. It's a framework for matching an organisation's goals, programmes and capacities to the environment in which it operates.

This factsheet examines the four elements of SWOT and the process of conducting an analysis. It provides tips for conducting the analysis and a ready-to-use SWOT analysis template. The factsheet concludes by looking at scenarios when a SWOT analysis is most appropriate, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

Carrying out a SWOT analysis

This factsheet was last updated by Susannah Haan, Senior Corporate Governance Adviser, CIPD

Susannah leads CIPD’s work on corporate governance and responsible business, including the role of HR in ESG, workforce reporting, leadership development and the role of non-executive directors. 

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