Nepotism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nepotism

[หˆnษ›pษ™หŒtษชz(ษ™)m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in workplace

The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

Synonyms

bias, cronyism, favoritism, partiality.

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Word Description / Examples
nepotism

Nepotism involves giving jobs or advantages to family members, especially when they are not qualified. This is often seen in workplaces and can have negative connotations.

  • The manager was accused of nepotism after hiring his niece over more qualified candidates.
  • Nepotism can demoralize employees who donโ€™t have family connections within the company.
favoritism

Favoritism refers to giving unfair privileges to one person or group over others. It can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or families, and has a negative connotation.

  • The teacher's favoritism was obvious when she always selected the same student for special tasks.
  • Employees felt demotivated due to the manager's clear favoritism towards certain staff members.
cronyism

Cronyism involves giving jobs and other advantages to friends and associates, especially in politics, without considering their qualifications. This term has a negative connotation.

  • The mayor was accused of cronyism after appointing his old friends to important city positions.
  • Cronyism can lead to inefficiency and poor management when unqualified people are in leadership roles.
bias

Bias refers to a prejudice in favor of or against something, person, or group compared with another, usually in an unfair way. It can occur in many contexts, such as media, hiring practices, or personal opinions.

  • The jury's bias was evident when they dismissed the evidence without much consideration.
  • News outlets should strive to report without bias to provide accurate information.
partiality

Partiality means showing a biased preference or favor towards someone or something. It can appear in personal judgments and decisions, often leading to unfair treatment.

  • The referee's partiality was clear when he overlooked fouls committed by the home team.
  • Judges must avoid any form of partiality to ensure a fair trial.

Examples of usage

  • Nepotism is a common issue in many workplaces, leading to unfair advantages for those with connections.
  • His promotion was seen as a result of nepotism, as his brother was the CEO of the company.
  • The company's policy strictly prohibits any form of nepotism in hiring practices.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, family loyalty is paramount, leading to the acceptance of nepotism in family-run businesses.
  • Some societies view it negatively, considering it unfair to others who may be equally or more qualified.

Politics

  • Political nepotism can involve appointing unqualified relatives to government roles, which can erode public trust.
  • Historical figures, like U.S. President John F. Kennedy, faced scrutiny for appointing family members to important roles.

Business Ethics

  • Many companies have policies against nepotism to promote fairness and prevent conflicts of interest.
  • However, some argue it can strengthen trust and teamwork in family businesses.

Psychology

  • Favoring family members can be linked to the principle of kin selection, where people tend to prioritize the well-being of their relatives.
  • This behavior can create a conflict between personal loyalty and professional meritocracy.

Origin of 'nepotism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'nepos', meaning 'nephew', reflecting how nobles often favored their relatives.
  • In the Middle Ages, the term was particularly associated with the practice of popes appointing relatives to positions of power.

The word 'nepotism' originates from the Italian word 'nepotismo' which means favoritism shown to nephews or other relatives. It was first used in the 17th century to describe the practice of favoring family members for positions of power. The concept of nepotism has been a topic of discussion and debate throughout history, particularly in politics and business.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,529, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.