Ideological forces

To compete in the global marketplace, you need to account for differences in ideologies. In some countries, for example, bribery is not only an accepted but an expected business practice. Certain practices that are acceptable in capitalist economies are shunned in communist or socialist states.
In addition, religious beliefs, contemporary cultural political ideologies (Activist, BLM, Extinction Rebellion, Antifa, Wokeism, etc…) may affect participation/ buying decisions in the current social climate.

Media forces

The media, including social media, can make or break a business activity. A bad-news story can go viral in a matter of minutes, and if your organisation fails to deliver an acceptable response (determined by the media), the repercussions can last for months or even years. However, if the bad news is about a competitor/opposition, that could be good news for you, so be prepared to leap on such an opportunity.

Psychological/Sociological forces

Psychological and sociological forces by influencing thoughts and shaping behaviours, often drive ‘What’, ‘Where’ and ‘How’ the consumer accesses it. More and more consumers, for example, are purchasing products online and reading reviews before making a purchase. As consumer behaviour evolves, your organisation needs to adapt or at the very least, acknowledge changes, to the developing needs and preferences.

Moral/Ethical forces

The safest approach to dealing with moral and ethical forces that impact business is to operate beyond reproach so that your consumers hold your organisation in the highest regard. Employ quality capable people to work for you, associate only with reputable organisations, hold everyone in your organization to the highest standards, and always treat everyone (customers, suppliers, distributors, and even competitors) with respect.

Weather and other Environmental forces

Environmental issues relate to weather, natural disasters, climate change, pollution, and anything else that could impact business. Bad weather events can completely wipe out businesses (e.g. flooding, storms etc). Major negative environmental events can disrupt supply chains, increase the costs and deter customers. Good environmental factors however, can prove to enhance opportunity (hence location).

Legal/Regulatory forces

International & National laws and local regulations may impact everything from where you can set up shop to how much you have to pay your employees and the measures you must take to ensure their safety. Some regulations can be very costly, and failing to honour the regulations may be even more costly.

Whether Natural or Supernatural Influence?

The enemy is always present, manipulating people and influencing the unseen forces for attacking the blessings of good works in our lives and discouraging Kingdom success and prosperity (the works of Faith).

The enemy wants to break you, separate you from God’s grace and instil fear and defeat!

Resilience to the ever-changing worldview inspired by the enemy, and to withstanding the enemy, is the purpose of a Defensive Ministry.