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In economics, the short run is defined as the period during which at least one input (such as labor, capital) of the production process is fixed, and the business can alter only the variable inputs. In contrast, the long run is the period when all inputs of the production process are variable and can be adjusted by the businesses.

Businesses aim to maximize their profits. In the short run, businesses can optimize variable inputs, which often means increasing production to cover their fixed costs. When the short-run average total costs are lower than the long-run average total costs, businesses may choose to operate in the short-run equilibrium to maximize profit. In the long run, however, businesses have the flexibility to alter all of their inputs, including fixed costs like capital or plant size. In this case, businesses make decisions that will enable them to reach long-run profit maximization, which includes adjusting inputs to find the optimal balance between production and cost.

When making operational decisions, businesses may consider factors like market demand, competition, regulations, and technological advancements. In the short run, businesses might need to respond quickly to changing market conditions, such as fluctuations in demand or supply, to maintain profitability. Therefore, they must operate and adjust their production levels to those conditions. However, businesses also plan strategically for the long run by making crucial decisions about their operations, such as the investment in research and development, new technology, and capital expansion. These decisions contribute to the business's sustainability and competitiveness in the market in the long run.

Businesses have to operate in both the short and long runs to remain competitive and profitable. The short run allows them to respond to immediate market conditions and maintain profitability for the moment, while the long run enables them to make strategic decisions and plan for their future growth and stability. The short-run and long-run equilibrium can coexist, and a successful business should be nimble in adjusting to changing environments to maximize profitability over time. So, the answer is yes, businesses operate in the long run; they make strategic decisions and investments for their growth and stability, while they manage to adapt to short-run market conditions to remain flexible and competitive in the changing environment.