Microenvironmental Forces Suppliers . Suppliers are the firms and persons that provide the resources needed by the company and competitors to produce goods and services. Company . Marketing plans must accommodate the needs of other functional areas of the firm to coordinate product/service delivery effectively (See following CTR and notes. Competitors . Competitors are usually considered those companies also serving a target market with similar products and services, although broader definitions may apply. Publics . Publics consist of any group that perceives itself having an interest in the actions of the firm. Publics can have positive as well as negative influences on the company's objectives. Intermediaries . Intermediaries include various middlemen and distribution firms as well as marketing service agencies and financial institutions. Customers . Customers consist of consumer, industrial, reseller, government, and international markets.
The Macroenvironment This CTR corresponds to Figure 3-4 on p. 75 and relates to the material on pp. 74-92. Teaching Tip: This CTR overviews the major forces in the company’s macroenvironment. You might use it as an introduction before exploring each area in detail. Each of the six major forces is covered in greater detail on subsequent CTRs. Macroenvironmental Forces Demographic. The demographic environment monitors population characteristics on such items as size, density, age, location. Economic. The economic environment includes income and spending pattern concerns. Natural . The natural environment addresses pollution concerns, energy costs, raw materials availability, and growing government roles in resource management. Technological. The technological environment includes such issues as the fast pace of change, emerging product forms, and high R&D. Political . The political environment addresses the role of government and policy in the regulation of business. Cultural . The cultural environment recognizes the influence of values and beliefs of a society on purchase decisions and consumption patterns.