What term refers to all relevant forces outside a firm's boundaries?

The correct term that refers to all relevant forces outside a firm's boundaries is known as the external environment. This concept encompasses various factors that can influence an organization's performance and decision-making, including economic, political, social, legal, technological, and environmental forces, as well as market trends and competition.

Understanding the external environment is crucial for businesses because it helps them identify opportunities and threats in their operating landscape. By analyzing these external forces, firms can make informed strategic decisions that align with market conditions and adapt to changes in their surroundings.

In contrast, the corporate environment typically refers to the broader context in which a company operates and may include both external and internal factors, which makes it less specific. The internal environment focuses on elements within the company, such as its culture, structure, and resources, which are not the focus of this question. Finally, the competitive landscape is a subset of the external environment that specifically pertains to the competition within the industry, making it more limited in scope.