RE: QUERY--Origin of the phrase "short-termism"

Could Ken Gordon provide more particulars? Which novel?

Shorttimism is not in the OED. For short-termism the OED gives:

Concentration on short-term investments, projects, etc. for immediate profit, at the expense of long-term security or development.

1986 ASHDOWN & HOLME (title) Investing in our future: tackling short-termism in the British economy. Ibid. ii. 13 The harmful effects of short-termism can be seen throughout the British economy, starving the future. 1986 Independent 12 Nov. 18 The growing friction between industry and the City over the alleged "short termism" of financial institutions' investment attitudes. 1989 Investors Chron. 17-23 Mar. 13/1 That the Chancellor has abolished the rule that investments in PEPs must be held for one calendar year could perhaps be seen to encourage short-termism.

Hans Visser