nepotizmus

Neponizmus, also known as nepotism, is the practice of giving preferential treatment to relatives or close personal connections in hiring, promotion, contracting, or other opportunities, rather than basing decisions on merit.

Etymology and history: The term derives from Latin nepos, meaning “nephew.” Historically it referred to the granting of offices or favors to relatives, notably in the Catholic Church, where papal nepotism involved appointing relatives to positions of power. Over time, the concept broadened to describe similar practices of bias toward family members in various institutions.

Forms and contexts: Nepotism can be explicit, with a relative directly favored in a decision, or structural, where informal networks and insider relationships limit fair competition. It occurs in government, business, academia, media, and religious bodies, among others. Distinctions are sometimes drawn between nepotism and related concepts such as cronyism (favoritism toward friends) and general favoritism.

Effects and regulation: Nepotism can undermine merit-based decision-making, erode trust and morale, and hamper organizational effectiveness. It may create conflicts of interest and unequal access to opportunities. In many countries, anti-nepotism laws and ethics rules restrict or prohibit nepotistic practices in public service and procurement, and many organizations adopt explicit policies to limit relatives’ involvement in sensitive hiring or contracting decisions.

Countermeasures: Measures to reduce nepotism include transparent recruitment processes, independent evaluation committees, disclosure of personal relationships, rotation or recusal policies for relatives, and sanctions for violations. Such practices aim to promote fairness and improve accountability.