ArticleHarvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance

The short-termism trap: Catering to informed investors with limited horizons

This article argues that companies often over-react to short-term investor pressures—even when investors are well informed—leading firms to underinvest in innovation, resilience, and long-term value creation. It shows how structural incentives and capital-market dynamics can distort strategy and weaken corporate governance, reducing firms’ capacity to act responsibly in broader economic and civic systems. 

Notes on Related Topics

Long-Term Value & Business Strategy (A) – The article critiques market structures that pull companies away from long-term strategic planning. 
Misalignment (A) – Identifies misalignment between investor horizons, societal needs, and corporate responsibilities.

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ArticleMIT Sloan

Presents a framework for when companies should present forceful or tempered political positions based on their publicly stated values and materiality.

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Website

The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE) listing standards include expectations that companies will take responsibility for long-term decision-making across strategy, governance, executive compensation, stakeholder engagement, and investor relations. These standards are designed to help businesses build sustainable value over time for all stakeholders, rather than focusing on short-term gains, allowing investors to better assess long-term capital investments.

 

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ReportSaylor Academy

This textbook section introduces major corporate and agency public-relations subfunctions: issues management, media and community relations, CSR and philanthropy, investor relations, marketing communications, government relations, lobbying, internal communication, crisis management, and more. It shows how communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement are structured inside organizations, shaping how they respond to risks, opportunities, and public scrutiny.

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