Nepotism is the act of granting an advantage, privilege, or position to relatives or close friends in an occupation or field. This practice has been criticized since ancient history by several philosophers, including Aristotle, Valluvar, and Confucius, condemning it as both evil and unwise. The term originated with the assignment of nephews to important positions by Catholic popes and bishops. Nepotism can occur in various fields, including but not limited to business, politics, academia, entertainment, sports, and religion.
Nepotism in the workplace refers to when those who have power unfairly favor their family members in the workplace. This can show up in the form of a leader hiring or promoting someone based solely on favor rather than the individual’s qualifications. Nepotism can create an unhealthy work environment wherein employees feel undervalued, and it can reduce employee morale and contribute to decreased productivity. Instances of nepotism can be difficult to address, especially if you are an employee who believes a manager may be guilty of such behavior. If you feel a manager’s decisions fall under nepotism, you should bring your concerns to your HR.
