What is SOAR Analysis? A Clear Guide from Basic Usage to Key Differences from SWOT Analysis

SOAR Analysis is a framework for building future-oriented strategies based on an organization’s strengths and opportunities. Simply put, rather than looking for problems, it focuses on the positive aspects and potential an organization already has, and works backward from an ideal vision of “what we want to become” to develop concrete action plans. This approach draws out members’ sense of initiative and promotes positive organizational transformation.

Here, we explain the basic concepts, process, and key differences from SWOT Analysis.

“SOAR” Has Two Different Meanings

The term “SOAR” carries two distinct meanings: one as a business strategy framework, and another as an IT security operations system. It is important not to confuse the two.

“SOAR (SOAR Analysis)” as a business strategy framework is a strategic planning method that focuses on an organization’s strengths and opportunities to define an ideal future. It centers dialogue around positive elements to draw out members’ motivation and develop concrete action plans.

In the IT field, “SOAR” refers to technology that automates and streamlines security operations. It connects multiple tools to accelerate incident response, and is an entirely different concept from the strategy framework.

To avoid confusion, it is important to correctly determine which meaning is being used based on the context. Here, we explain “SOAR Analysis” as a business strategy framework.

“SOAR” as a Strategic Framework

In the business domain, SOAR Analysis is a strategic planning framework for creating an organization’s future. It is composed of four elements: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results.

Unlike traditional problem-finding approaches, it focuses on the positive aspects of an organization, aiming to boost members’ motivation through dialogue and guide them toward an ideal future and the concrete actions needed to achieve it.

“SOAR” as a Security Term

In the IT and security field, SOAR stands for “Security Orchestration, Automation and Response.” It refers to technologies and systems designed to streamline an organization’s security operations and accelerate responses to cyberattacks and other threats.

It connects multiple security products and tools (Orchestration), automates the entire process from threat detection and analysis to response (Automation), and enables rapid incident response (Response).

[Strategic Framework] The Basic Concept of SOAR Analysis

SOAR Analysis as a strategic framework starts from positive elements such as an organization’s success stories and latent potential.
Rather than fixing problems or weaknesses, it is a creative and energizing approach that aims to maximize existing “strengths,” seize future “opportunities,” and realize the organization’s true “aspirations.”

SOAR Analysis: A Dialogic Framework for Creating an Organization’s Future

SOAR Analysis is not merely a tool for organizing information — it is a framework for co-creating the future through dialogue involving all stakeholders. This methodology is based on a theory called “Appreciative Inquiry (AI),” which shines a light on the positive aspects of organizations and individuals.

All participants reaffirm the organization’s values and success factors together, and use the energy generated from that process to paint an exciting vision of the future and build concrete plans toward its realization.

The Four Elements of SOAR Analysis

SOAR Analysis is named after the initials of its four elements: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results.

By asking about each element in sequence, it connects the organization’s current state to its ideal future and concrete outcomes, constructing an actionable strategy.

Each element plays a role in organizing the organization’s internal and external environment, as well as the timeline from present to future.

S (Strengths): The Organization’s Unique “Strengths”

“Strengths” refer to all the positive elements the organization currently possesses — assets, capabilities, achievements, and anything to be proud of. This includes strong technical expertise, brand image, talented people, excellent customer service, and efficient business processes.

This step asks: what sets us apart from competitors, and what do customers value about us?

By clarifying the organization’s core values and sources of success, it lays the foundation for moving forward with confidence.

O (Opportunities): “Opportunities” That Lead to Goal Achievement

“Opportunities” refer to elements in the external environment that hold potential for growth and goal achievement. These include the emergence of new markets, technological innovation, regulatory changes, competitor movements, and lifestyle shifts.

This step explores how the organization can leverage its “strengths” to seize these external chances.

It is a step dedicated to exploring new possibilities for business expansion by looking at market needs and social changes.

A (Aspirations): The Organization’s “Aspirations” for the Future

“Aspirations” refer to the ideal state and passion behind what the organization wants to “become” or “achieve” in the future. This is not simply a numerical target, but a future vision rooted in the organization’s values and sense of mission — one that moves the hearts of its members.

This step poses questions such as “What is the greatest value our organization can offer the world?” to clarify the organization’s reason for being and ultimate goals.

These aspirations become the compass that guides the entire organization in one direction.

R (Results): Concrete “Results” When Aspirations Are Achieved

“Results” define the specific outcomes and states achieved when “Aspirations” are realized. This step translates the ideal vision into measurable indicators.

By asking “How will we know our aspirations have been achieved?”, it clarifies goals in concrete terms such as sales targets, customer satisfaction, market share, and employee engagement.

This makes action plans more specific and progress easier to manage.
When the goal to aim for is clear, meaning and purpose emerge in day-to-day activities.

The Decisive Differences Between SOAR Analysis and SWOT Analysis

A framework often compared to SOAR Analysis is SWOT Analysis. While both are tools for analyzing organizations, there are decisive differences in their purpose and focus.

While SWOT Analysis places emphasis on resolving current issues and avoiding risks, SOAR Analysis focuses on pursuing future possibilities and realizing an ideal vision.

Understanding this difference and using each appropriately according to the situation is key.

SWOT for Problem-Solving, SOAR for Future Orientation

SWOT Analysis examines the current situation through four elements: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
By paying particular attention to “Weaknesses” and “Threats,” the focus is on identifying the challenges and risks an organization faces and how to overcome or avoid them.

In contrast, SOAR Analysis does not directly address “Weaknesses” or “Threats.” Instead, it takes a future-oriented approach by setting an ideal future vision through “Aspirations” and working backward from there to plan actions.

SWOT Focuses on Problems; SOAR Focuses on Possibilities

In terms of analytical perspective, SWOT Analysis often tends to become a “gap analysis” searching for problems and flaws. This can cause discussions to lean in a defensive or corrective direction.

In contrast, SOAR Analysis focuses on the positive aspects of an organization — its values and success stories.

Because it aims to explore what is working well and maximize that potential, discussions tend to be more creative and energizing.

How to Use SOAR Analysis and SWOT Analysis Effectively

Neither SOAR Analysis nor SWOT Analysis is superior to the other — it is wise to use them according to your purpose and situation.

For example, SWOT Analysis is effective when you need to accurately identify and address current challenges — such as improving the performance of an existing business, strengthening risk management, or developing a differentiation strategy against competitors.

On the other hand, SOAR Analysis is suited to situations that call for innovative ideas and forward-looking energy, such as launching new businesses, formulating an organizational vision, or boosting team morale.

[Practice] 5 Steps for Conducting SOAR Analysis

SOAR Analysis is a powerful tool for creating an organization’s future, but to maximize its effectiveness, it is important to follow the right process.

Here, we break down the specific steps for implementing SOAR into five stages. By following these steps, all participants can engage proactively and develop a practical action plan.

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose and Scope of the Analysis

First, clearly define the purpose — “Why are we conducting this SOAR Analysis?”

For example, set a specific goal such as “explore the direction for a new product development,” “improve teamwork within the department,” or “create the framework for a 3-year medium-term business plan.” At the same time, narrow down the scope of analysis (the entire company, a specific business unit, a project team, etc.).

By clarifying the purpose and scope, discussions stay focused rather than diverging, and all participants can work toward the same direction.

Step 2: Gather Stakeholders and Conduct Brainstorming

Since SOAR Analysis progresses through dialogue, gathering stakeholders with diverse perspectives is the key to success. Aim to recruit participants from as wide a range as possible — from senior management to frontline staff, and members from different departments.

This enables a multi-faceted, in-depth analysis that is not biased toward any single perspective.

Once participants are assembled, it is important to share brainstorming ground rules in advance to ensure everyone can freely express their ideas in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Step 3: Identify the Four Elements (S, O, A, R) in Concrete Terms

Once participants have gathered, work through the four elements — S (Strengths), O (Opportunities), A (Aspirations), and R (Results) — in order, drawing out specific ideas for each.

Begin by confirming the organization’s “Strengths” together as a group, then explore external “Opportunities” where those strengths can be leveraged.

Next, discuss what kind of “Aspirations (ideal vision)” can be envisioned by combining those strengths and opportunities, and finally define the specific “Results (metrics)” that will measure the state in which those aspirations have been realized.

Step 4: Build a Concrete Action Plan from the Derived Results

Create a concrete action plan — an action roadmap — to achieve the R (Results) defined in Step 3. Here, it is critical to clarify “who (the responsible person),” “what (specific tasks),” and “by when (deadlines).”

Break large goals down into smaller tasks and determine priorities for each.

This step ensures the analysis translates into concrete action rather than ending on paper. Plans should be realistic and executable.

Step 5: Execute the Plan and Regularly Measure and Evaluate Progress

An action plan is meaningless unless it is executed. Begin acting on the plan and establish regular opportunities to check progress.

For example, share progress in monthly meetings and evaluate whether things are proceeding as planned and whether any issues have arisen.

It is also important to flexibly revise the plan in response to changes in the market environment or unexpected events. Through this kind of ongoing operation, the future envisioned through SOAR Analysis is steadily brought to reality.

3 Benefits of Using SOAR Analysis

Introducing and effectively using SOAR Analysis brings many positive effects to an organization. This framework not only helps build strategy — it also has a positive influence on organizational culture itself.

Here, we explain the three main benefits of using SOAR Analysis.

Benefit 1: Boosts Team Motivation and Draws Out a Sense of Ownership

SOAR Analysis focuses on positive elements such as the organization’s strengths and success stories. This allows participants to enter discussions with confidence and pride.

Furthermore, by being actively involved in the process of shaping the organization’s future (aspirations), members develop a sense of ownership rather than feeling like things are being imposed on them.

A shared sense of unity toward a common ideal future emerges, boosting motivation and engagement across the entire team.

Benefit 2: A Positive Perspective Makes It Easier to Generate Innovative Ideas

Because discussions do not start from constraints like “weaknesses” or “threats,” participants find it easier to think freely without being bound by existing frameworks.

In SOAR Analysis, thinking begins from a future aspiration: “If anything were possible, what would we want to become?”

This future-oriented approach promotes the creation of bold, innovative ideas and strategies that go beyond the extension of the current state. Dialogue in a positive atmosphere stimulates creativity.

Benefit 3: Goals and Vision Are More Easily Shared Across the Entire Organization

The SOAR Analysis process involves members from diverse backgrounds engaging in repeated dialogue. Through this collaborative work, understanding of each other’s thoughts and values deepens, making it easier to reach consensus on the direction the organization aims to pursue.

The “Aspirations” and “Results” co-created by all members become not just top-down targets, but a shared vision expressed in everyone’s own words.

This allows the vision to permeate every corner of the organization, making it easier for everyone to act toward the same goal.

Key Points to Note When Introducing SOAR Analysis

SOAR Analysis is a powerful framework with many benefits, but without understanding its characteristics, you may not achieve the intended effects.

Precisely because it focuses on future-oriented and positive aspects, there are several points to be aware of. It is important to understand the following cautions in advance to ensure a successful introduction.

Note 1: Analysis of Weaknesses and Threats May Be Insufficient

SOAR Analysis intentionally does not focus on negative aspects such as “Weaknesses” or “Threats.” As a result, there is a risk that the organization’s latent risks and challenges that need to be addressed may be overlooked.

In particular, relying solely on SOAR Analysis to build strategy in situations where risk management is critical can be dangerous.

Where necessary, combining it with SWOT Analysis or setting up a separate process to identify realistic risks is required to compensate for this blind spot.

Note 2: An Objective Perspective Is Also Needed to Keep Aspirations Grounded in Reality

The approach of drawing the future from “Aspirations” can sometimes lead to discussions that lean too idealistic, resulting in plans that are disconnected from reality.

While high enthusiasm among participants is a good thing, the realistic constraints of the organization’s resources (people, funding, technology) and objective market data must not be completely ignored.

During the discussion process, it is necessary to incorporate a perspective that calmly evaluates feasibility, or to seek objective feedback from external experts.

Frequently Asked Questions About SOAR Analysis

Here, we answer common questions about SOAR Analysis — covering comparisons with SWOT Analysis, specific use cases, and questions about how to conduct the analysis.

Q. Which is better — SWOT Analysis or SOAR Analysis?

Neither is superior to the other. Using each according to your purpose is what matters.

SWOT Analysis is suited for resolving challenges and managing risk in existing businesses, while SOAR Analysis is appropriate for future-oriented vision building or situations where you want to generate new ideas.

Q. In what business situations is SOAR Analysis useful?

It is useful in a wide range of situations that call for future-oriented and constructive dialogue, such as launching new businesses, formulating an organizational vision, team building, and improving employee engagement.

It is particularly effective when aiming for innovative change that goes beyond the extension of the current state.

Q. Can SOAR Analysis be conducted by one person?

It can be done by one person, but conducting it with multiple people is strongly recommended.

SOAR Analysis is a framework designed to generate richer, more actionable ideas through dialogue that draws on diverse perspectives. Collaboration with stakeholders maximizes the effectiveness of the analysis.

Summary

SOAR Analysis is an extremely forward-looking strategic framework for shining a light on an organization’s strengths and possibilities, and co-creating an ideal future. Unlike traditional analytical methods that focus on overcoming weaknesses and threats, it advances dialogue centered on the four elements — Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results — to maximize members’ sense of initiative and creativity.

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, this future-oriented approach exerts tremendous power when setting an innovative vision that goes beyond the extension of the current state. By believing in the organization’s potential and defining goals that excite everyone, you can take a firm first step toward sustainable growth.