Which type of analysis helps in strategic decision-making for organizations?

SWOT analysis is an essential tool for strategic decision-making, as it provides a structured framework for evaluating an organization's internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats. This holistic perspective allows organizations to identify their competitive advantages and challenges in the marketplace, enabling them to make informed, strategic decisions about their direction.

The strength of SWOT analysis lies in its ability to facilitate discussions among stakeholders about the current state of the organization and its future potential. By outlining these four key areas, organizations can develop strategies that leverage their strengths to capitalize on opportunities, while also addressing weaknesses and mitigating threats.

The other options, while useful in their own contexts, do not provide the same comprehensive overview for strategic decision-making. Financial analysis focuses primarily on the economic viability of an organization, market research gathers consumer insights and trends specifically, and operational analysis examines the efficiency of internal processes. However, none of these approaches encompass the broader strategic implications that are captured within a SWOT analysis.