Answer:
2) Political/Legal Forces
Step-by-step explanation:
1. To determine the answer, we need to understand the concept of the marketing environment. The marketing environment consists of various factors that influence a company's ability to operate effectively in a given market.
2. In the marketing environment, there are controllable factors (over which a company has some control) and uncontrollable factors (which are beyond a company's control). The challenge lies in managing those uncontrollable factors.
3. The options listed are various elements of the marketing environment: promotion, political/legal forces, price, channels of distribution, and research activities.
4. Among these options, promotion, price, channels of distribution, and research activities can be influenced and controlled to some extent by a company. These factors can be adjusted and adapted based on market conditions and company strategies.
5. However, political/legal forces are typically beyond a company's control. Political factors, such as government regulations, policies, and stability, can significantly impact business operations. Legal forces, such as laws related to trade, intellectual property, and consumer protection, can also present challenges.
6. Political and legal factors can vary greatly between different countries and regions, affecting both domestic and international markets. They can create uncertainties, trade barriers, legal constraints, and compliance challenges that companies must navigate.
7. Given the dominantly uncontrollable nature and the potential challenges posed by political and legal forces, option 2) Political/Legal Forces is the correct answer.