{"id":8118,"date":"2026-05-27T12:21:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T03:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mirai-works.co.jp\/consulnext\/?post_type=column&p=8118"},"modified":"2026-05-27T12:21:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T03:21:32","slug":"what-is-soar-analysis-a-clear-guide-from-basic-usage-to-key-differences-from-swot-analysis","status":"publish","type":"column","link":"https:\/\/mirai-works.co.jp\/consulnext\/en\/column\/8118\/","title":{"rendered":"What is SOAR Analysis? A Clear Guide from Basic Usage to Key Differences from SWOT Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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“SOAR” Has Two Different Meanings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/span>

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“SOAR” as a Strategic Framework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“SOAR” as a Security Term<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Strategic Framework] The Basic Concept of SOAR Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOAR Analysis: A Dialogic Framework for Creating an Organization’s Future<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SOAR Analysis is not merely a tool for organizing information \u2014 it is a framework for co-creating the future through dialogue involving all stakeholders.<\/strong><\/span> This methodology is based on a theory called “Appreciative Inquiry (AI),” which shines a light on the positive aspects of organizations and individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Four Elements of SOAR Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SOAR Analysis is named after the initials of its four elements: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/span>

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

S (Strengths): The Organization’s Unique “Strengths”<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“Strengths” refer to all the positive elements the organization currently possesses \u2014 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.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O (Opportunities): “Opportunities” That Lead to Goal Achievement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“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.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A (Aspirations): The Organization’s “Aspirations” for the Future<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“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 \u2014 one that moves the hearts of its members.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

R (Results): Concrete “Results” When Aspirations Are Achieved<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“Results” define the specific outcomes and states achieved when “Aspirations” are realized. This step translates the ideal vision into measurable indicators.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Decisive Differences Between SOAR Analysis and SWOT Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While SWOT Analysis places emphasis on resolving current issues and avoiding risks, SOAR Analysis focuses on pursuing future possibilities and realizing an ideal vision.<\/strong><\/span>

Understanding this difference and using each appropriately according to the situation is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SWOT for Problem-Solving, SOAR for Future Orientation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.”<\/strong><\/span> Instead, it takes a future-oriented approach by setting an ideal future vision through “Aspirations” and working backward from there to plan actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SWOT Focuses on Problems; SOAR Focuses on Possibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, SOAR Analysis focuses on the positive aspects of an organization \u2014 its values and success stories.<\/strong><\/span>

Because it aims to explore what is working well and maximize that potential, discussions tend to be more creative and energizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use SOAR Analysis and SWOT Analysis Effectively<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Neither SOAR Analysis nor SWOT Analysis is superior to the other \u2014 it is wise to use them according to your purpose and situation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, SWOT Analysis is effective when you need to accurately identify and address current challenges \u2014 such as improving the performance of an existing business, strengthening risk management, or developing a differentiation strategy against competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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[Practice] 5 Steps for Conducting SOAR Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Steps for Conducting SOAR Analysis<\/span><\/div>
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