Paul runs a large, publicly owned automotive supply company called KarParts Inc. His stockholders have demanded to know why KarParts Inc.'s earnings expectations were not fulfilled in the previous year, and they demand to know how Paul is prepared to improve earnings for the current year. Paul suspects the problem is that the company is experiencing environmental uncertainty. In that case, which of the following would be most helpful for Paul to consider

A. the different ways his rivals in the industry are competing with him
B. the value of engaging in unlawful or unethical behavior
C. the demographics of his target customers
D. the extent to which his employees understand the organizational culture
E. the effect that his company is having on the natural environment