The “long term” as an instrument for deploying neoliberalism: the case of the myth of long-term compensation

Purpose This study locates one surprisingly powerful ally of neoliberalism enabling its proliferation in certain contexts, the discursive notion “long term” (LT). Earlier literature has shown that is concerned with investors' decision-making been claimed to be based on LT forecasts. research explains this focus term.” Design/methodology/approach Share-based compensation (SBC) investigated case company. The data consist interviews executives, board members, analysts and owners also archival executives' performance measurement compensation. Findings Much equates “share-based compensation” “long-term compensation,” present terms relation “the myth long-term compensation.” It demonstrated multiple features share-based plans, characteristics management question contextual factors company governance tie time orientation such Multiple contradictions irregularities SBC are analyzed, undermining claim invariably oriented. Relying Barthes' work, illustrates how a contributing ideology neoliberalism. Research limitations/implications proposed distinguished from each other for analytical practical purposes. SBC, thus neoliberalism, can sometimes linked short term. Originality/value “Long illustrated as significant instrument deploying ideologies.