There's also two other groups here: employees are very likely to value long-term value creation, since it would provide job security, an incentive to invest in

There's also two other groups here: employees are very likely to value long-term value creation, since it would provide job security, an incentive to invest in employees, and a better chance of bonuses and raises. Second, communities where these companies are located: handing out tax incentives and cheap loans make more sense if the company isn't going to leave the community high and dry in a couple years. The advantages of long-term value creation aren't just fear-oriented: it's possible such a company will be able to hire people and rent office space more cheaply because it has that label. If that ends up being the case, boards could easily start looking for CEOs willing to make the commitment to qualifying as a long-term company.