The aim of the work is to give characteristics of the SWOT-analysis, to decode its components using schematic display of the process of occurrence of a crisis situation, in which the influence of factors of the external and internal environment of the enterprise is reflected. In order to achieve this aim, various situations that can lead to a crisis situation are analysed. Indeed, if we study the process itself and the tendency of its development it is possible to affect the course of events, i.e. to prevent crisis or even to mitigate its consequences. In order to find interrelations between the influencing factors it is efficient to apply the SWOT analysis, as it covers completely all the aspects of the activity of an enterprise, as well as the opportunities of modernization of this kind of the analysis. From this point of view, it is possible to consider the SWOT analysis as one of the basic aspects, which are necessary for the effective application of a technique of crisis management.