Final answer:
Environmental scanning tools enable organizations to understand market forces, analyze the trade-offs of environmental laws, and monitor international environmental issues to inform strategic decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environmental scanning tools are critical for organizations to develop effective strategies. These tools help identify the external and internal factors that can impact the organization's performance and strategic decisions. Some of the environmental scanning tools include:
- Market-Oriented Environmental Tools: These tools gauge the market forces and how they can be leveraged for environmental benefit. For instance, marketable permits allow for the trading of pollution credits, which can be an incentive for companies to reduce emissions.
- Benefits and Costs of U.S. Environmental Laws: Analyzing the trade-offs of environmental regulations helps to understand their impact on both the environment and the economic performance of businesses.
- International Environmental Issues: Monitoring international developments can inform strategic decisions, especially for businesses with a global presence or supply chain.
Additionally, environmental tools also involve exploring the balance between economic output and environmental protection, recognizing that strategies must be situation-specific.