Strategic Planning Key Terminology

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Porter's Five Forces

Porter's Five Forces is a tool used to analyze the competitive environment of an industry. This framework helps organizations understand the factors that affect their market position and competitiveness.

The Five Forces:

  1. Competitive Rivalry: The intensity of competition among existing competitors in the market.
  2. Threat of New Entrants: The ease with which new competitors can enter the market.
  3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The power suppliers have to drive up prices or reduce the quality of goods and services.
  4. Bargaining Power of Buyers: The influence customers have on pricing and quality.
  5. Threat of Substitutes: The likelihood that customers will switch to a different product or service.

Why Use Porter's Five Forces:

  • Understand Competition: Helps analyze the level of competition in the industry.
  • Identify Opportunities: Reveals potential opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Strategic Planning: Assists in developing strategies to improve market position.
  • Risk Management: Identifies potential threats that could impact the organization.

Example of Porter's Five Forces in a Non-Profit Context:

  1. Competitive Rivalry: Other organizations offering similar services.
  2. Threat of New Entrants: New providers of alternative services starting up in the same area.
  3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Dependence on specific suppliers for program materials.
  4. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Client options and choice for selecting their provider.
  5. Threat of Substitutes: Availability of alternative programs or services for the community.

By using Porter's Five Forces, organizations can gain insights into their competitive environment and make informed decisions to strengthen their market position.