kortsigtet

Kortsigtet is a Danish and Norwegian adjective describing decisions, policies, or outlooks that are oriented toward the short term, prioritizing immediate benefits or near-term outcomes over longer-term consequences. In academic and public debate, the term is often used critically to imply neglect of future costs or opportunities.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is a compound of kort, meaning short, and sigtet or sight/outlook, reflecting a limited horizon in planning or evaluation. It appears in political, economic, and organizational contexts to contrast with langsigtet, meaning long-term oriented.

Contexts and examples: in business, kortsigtet decisions may focus on meeting quarterly targets, cost-cutting, or share buybacks at the expense of investments in research, innovation, or workforce development. in fiscal policy, it can describe austerity or budgeting that reduces deficits in the short term while compromising future growth or social outcomes. in environmental policy, a kortsigtet approach might delay climate action or infrastructure investments despite better long-run sustainability. In public administration, it can refer to reforms that yield quick wins but undermine resilience or equity over time.

Implications and critique: supporters may argue that short-term measures provide stability or risk management in volatile conditions. Critics contend that persistent kortsigtet thinking creates negative externalities, underinvestment in critical capacities, and reduced intergenerational well-being. Mitigation strategies include adopting long-term performance metrics, stakeholder-inclusive planning, and governance structures that balance near-term results with future sustainability.