Generally, external opportunities and threats are:

External opportunities and threats are inherently uncontrollable by a single organization because they are influenced by factors outside the organization's direct control, such as market trends, economic conditions, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics. Organizations must analyze these external factors as they can significantly impact strategic direction and decision-making but cannot change them directly. Companies can adapt their strategies to leverage opportunities or mitigate threats, but the events or changes leading to these opportunities and threats are often beyond their influence.

Furthermore, recognizing that these factors are uncontrollable emphasizes the need for organizations to continuously monitor their external environment. This understanding allows them to remain agile and responsive to changes, which is crucial in strategic management. While other options may seem relevant, they do not accurately capture the primary characteristic of external opportunities and threats as uncontrollable elements.