In strategic decision-making, why is it crucial to consider long-term implications over short-term gains?

When a decision is made, thinking only about immediate profit can hurt the organization later, because it might ignore costs that will appear after the short‑term benefit ends. Long‑term thinking looks at how a choice will affect resources, reputation, and future opportunities, so it keeps the organization stable and able to grow. For example, a company that saves money by cutting quality now may lose customers and need costly repairs later, while a company that invests in better materials builds trust and saves money over time. By weighing future risks and rewards, leaders can choose actions that support lasting success rather than quick wins that may backfire.