What do external trends include?

External trends encompass a variety of factors that are outside the internal workings of an organization but significantly influence its operations and strategic direction. Global market trends and economic factors exemplify this concept well. They include aspects such as shifts in consumer preferences, fluctuations in currency values, emerging technologies, and socio-economic changes which all affect how businesses operate in the broader marketplace.

By recognizing and analyzing these external trends, organizations can strategically position themselves to respond to opportunities and threats identified in the market. This insight is vital for decision-making, long-range planning, and adapting to changes that could impact business success.

In contrast, the other options provided focus on internal aspects of a business or metrics that assess organizational performance from within, which do not qualify as external trends. Internal organization roles and definitions pertain to the internal structure of a business, while company size, complexity, and growth metrics are also inward-looking, centered on how the organization operates rather than the external environment it must navigate. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively assessing influences that shape business strategy from outside the organization.