Environmental Factors

Our environment is the external context in which our actions and interactions take place. The “environment” refers to what we perceive as being “outside” of ourselves. A specific “environment” is shaped by factors such as the room, weather conditions, nutrition, noise level, and so on, all of which affect an individual or a group of people. These external stimuli influence the reactions and state of a person or group members and should be considered as part of any process aimed at achieving a particular goal.

Environmental factors, therefore, determine the external opportunities or limitations that must be taken into account by both individuals and organizations. Such environmental influences shape our experience, answering the questions “where?” and “when?” within a specific “problem space” of change—in other words, these are contextual factors. For example, physical space and time constraints significantly affect how a task is solved or a goal is achieved.

Environmental Variables in Decision-Making

In decision theory, environmental variables include all dimensions of the “problem space.” Environmental variables are factors not controlled by the actor or decision-maker. A classic example of an environmental variable—something we cannot control and must adapt to—is the weather. However, choosing what to wear is a decision variable, related to our behavioral responses to certain environmental variables. To successfully achieve a goal—such as not getting cold or wet when going outside—we must consider both environmental variables and decision variables.

Taking Environmental Factors into Account

To reach a specific goal or desired state, we must identify and consider both the opportunities and limitations of the environment. In addition to defining the current and desired states to achieve set goals, it is important to identify and use all favorable opportunities to our advantage, as well as to take into account the limitations of the environment in which we operate.

The decisions people make and the resources needed to achieve their goals often depend on the environment in which they act. In planning, environmental factors are present as “contingencies”—factors that may or may not change, but are not subject to arbitrary control by an individual or organization.

Caregivers and leaders help us create or use environmental opportunities to our advantage, as well as identify and consider environmental limitations.