piecemeal thinking
[ˈpiːsmiːl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]
noun
pensamento fragmentado
1. A cognitive approach that addresses problems or situations one small part at a time without considering the whole picture or interconnections between parts
The company's piecemeal thinking prevented them from seeing how each department's decisions affected the overall strategy.
O pensamento fragmentado da empresa impediu que vissem como as decisões de cada departamento afetavam a estratégia geral.
2. The tendency to solve problems incrementally or in isolated segments rather than through comprehensive or systemic analysis
Piecemeal thinking in urban planning often leads to infrastructure problems that could have been prevented with a holistic approach.
O pensamento fragmentado no planejamento urbano frequentemente leva a problemas de infraestrutura que poderiam ter sido evitados com uma abordagem holística.
In both American and Brazilian business contexts, piecemeal thinking is generally criticized as an inefficient problem-solving approach. In Brazil, this critique is particularly relevant in discussions about bureaucratic government processes and corporate structure inefficiencies. The term reflects a growing emphasis on systems thinking and integrated approaches in management education and organizational development across both cultures.
Related Idioms & Phrases
missing the forest for the trees
looking at the trees instead of the forest
not seeing the big picture
working in silos
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