målförskjutning

Målförskjutning, a Swedish term, translates to "goal displacement" in English and describes a phenomenon where an organization or individual shifts its focus from the original, intended goal to a secondary, often more tangible or easily achievable one. This can occur when the original objective is too abstract, difficult to measure, or faces significant obstacles.

The secondary goal, which becomes the primary focus, might be related to the original aim but is not the same. For example, a charity originally established to alleviate poverty might shift its focus to fundraising events, where the success is easily quantifiable through money raised, rather than directly addressing the complex issue of poverty itself.

This shift can lead to a loss of effectiveness in achieving the original mission. While the secondary goal might be met with success, it does not necessarily contribute to the ultimate purpose. The organization may become efficient at tasks related to the displaced goal, but the true objective may be neglected or even forgotten over time.

Målförskjutning can be a gradual process, often unintentional. It can be influenced by factors such as the need for measurable results, pressure from stakeholders, or the personal preferences of leadership. Recognizing and addressing målförskjutning is important for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of an organization's mission and for ensuring that efforts remain aligned with its fundamental purpose.