jokaohjaa

Jokaohjaa is a Finnish neologism used in informal discourse to denote a central guiding principle that shapes decisions and actions within a system, organization, or project. The term is formed by combining the words joka (which/that) and ohjaa (guides). It is not widely standardized in formal Finnish, and its exact grammatical status can vary depending on the author.

Etymology and usage notes: In standard Finnish, jokaohjaa is not commonly listed in dictionaries; it is typically treated as a compound expression whose meaning is derived from its parts. It functions as a concise descriptor for a directive or criterion that effectively guides outcomes, rather than a fixed part of speech with a single definition.

Contexts of use: The expression appears most often in technology governance, organizational design, and discussions of AI ethics, where stakeholders emphasize a single criterion—such as safety, fairness, or transparency—as the primary principle guiding all decisions and design choices.

Examples and interpretation: Because the term is informal, interpretations vary and there is no universally accepted definition. The concept—viewed as a guiding principle that steers actions—is sometimes used to articulate why certain decisions are prioritized over others in a project or policy.

Relation to similar concepts: Jokaohjaa can be compared to notions like guiding principle, mission statement, or design constraint. It functions as a shorthand for a central criterion that underpins strategy and implementation, particularly in debates about governance and responsible development.