Employees, Employing the correct staff and keeping staff motivated is an essential part of an organisation's strategic planning process. Training and development play a critical role in achieving a competitive edge; especially in service sector marketing1mark. This is clearly apparent in the airline industry, where customer services are crucial in obtaining a competitive edge. In the example of Air Zimbabwe, the customer services are greatly declining due to failure of the company to get back on its feet. As Air Zimbabwe prolongs corrective measures its becoming more and more extinct to the public as they prefer other airlines such as South African Airways and Emirates.
Suppliers, Suppliers provide businesses with the materials they need to carry out their business activities. A supplier's behaviour will directly impact the business it supplies. For example if a supplier provides a poor service this could increase timescales or lower product quality. An increase in raw material prices will affect an organisation's marketing mix strategy and may even force price increases. Close supplier relationships are an effective way to remain competitive and secure quality products.
Shareholders, As organisations require inward investment to grow, they may decide to move from private to public ownership and list on the stock market. The introduction of public shareholders brings new pressures as public shareholders want a return from the money they have invested in the company. Shareholder pressure to increase profits will affect organisational strategy. Relationships with shareholders need to be managed carefully as rapid short term increases in profit could detrimentally affect the long term success of the business.
Media, Positive media attention can “make” an organisation (or its products) and negative media attention can “break” an organisation. Organisations need to manage the media so that the media help promote the positive things about the