burdenssuch

Burdensuch is a neologism used in some sociopolitical and management discourses to describe the strategic externalization of burdens or responsibilities onto others. The term, with uncertain origin, has appeared in discussions about governance and organizational design.

In practice, burdensuch refers to arrangements in which institutions or agents shift costs, compliance tasks, or risk onto employees, customers, or other stakeholders, often while maintaining authority or legitimacy. It is discussed as a way to preserve managerial or organizational control while suggesting that the burden is shared or justified by those most affected.

In organizational contexts, burdensuch can manifest as reporting mandates, complex regulatory requirements, or performance measures that are designed to transfer frontline workload away from leadership while preserving decision-making power at higher levels. On digital platforms and in public policy, it can involve users shouldering moderation duties, verification processes, or data collection burdens, with platform owners retaining primary benefits and oversight.

Scholars critique burdensuch as a form of asymmetrical governance that externalizes social costs, reduces accountability, and can undermine trust, even when it may improve efficiency or risk management in the short term. Proponents sometimes argue that carefully designed burden-sharing can yield clearer incentives and resource alignment, but the term remains debated in ethics and public administration.

See also: cost shifting, burden shifting, moral hazard, accountability.