It seems clear that decisions based on short-term benefits only, and based on local benefits only (one individual, or one company) are as lot lower quality as decisions than those which examineimpact over longer periods and wider scope. CarolC is absolutely right about that.

Another aspect deserving some attention is msaking decisions based on their substantive effect on things -- what they really do -- rather than the effect on perception, PR, opinion, status, or image.

A