Final answer:
The purpose of an external assessment is to gather information about the competitive landscape and market trends to inform strategic business decisions, rather than evaluating internal processes or employee performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason for conducting an external assessment is to gather information from competitors, analyze market trends, and gain insights into industry practices that can influence strategic planning and decision making within an organization. External assessments can involve methods such as gathering information, using surveys, or conducting interviews to understand external factors that impact the business. This evaluation can lead to a better understanding of the competitive landscape, help in identifying potential opportunities or threats, and can drive innovation and strategy. It is distinct from internal assessments, which might focus on evaluating internal processes or employee performance. Therefore, the correct answer is to analyze market trends.