What strategy should managers choose when external opportunities align with internal strengths, specifically in the context of weak external factors?

When external opportunities align with internal strengths, it creates a favorable situation for the organization. In this context, an aggressive strategy is the optimal choice because it allows the organization to leverage its strengths to capture the available opportunities effectively.

An aggressive strategy denotes a proactive approach, enabling the organization to capitalize on its competitive advantages. This involves pursuing growth, increasing market share, or expanding operations in response to favorable external conditions. When an organization recognizes a synergy between its internal capabilities and external opportunities, it positions itself to maximize its potential for success by actively engaging with the market rather than taking a more passive or cautious stance.

In contrast, a reactive strategy focuses on responding to external threats rather than taking advantage of opportunities. Similarly, a neutral strategy might imply maintaining the status quo without significant involvement in either seizing opportunities or addressing threats, which could lead to missed chances for growth. Finally, a defensive strategy is generally meant to protect the organization against external threats rather than to exploit opportunities. Thus, the choice of an aggressive strategy is most appropriate in this scenario to leverage the favorable conditions created by the alignment of strengths and opportunities.