nepotism
noun

- using your power or influence to get good jobs or unfair advantages for members of your own family

(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

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ORIGIN

The term comes from the Italian word nepotismo, which is based on the Latin word nepos meaning 'nephew'. Since the Middle Ages and until the late 17th century, some Catholic popes and bishops, who had taken vows of chastity, and therefore usually had no legitimate offspring of their own, gave their nephews such positions of preference as were often accorded by fathers to son.

Nepotism at work can mean increased opportunity at a job, attaining the job or being paid more than other similarly situated people.

Arguments are made both for and against employment granted due to a family connection, which is most common in small, family run businesses. On one hand, nepotism can provide stability and continuity.

Critics cite studies that demonstrate decreased morale and commitment from non-related employees, and a generally negative attitude towards superior positions filled through nepotism.

An article from Forbes magazine stated "there is no ladder to climb when the top rung is reserved for people with a certain name." Some businesses forbid nepotism as an ethical matter, considering it too troublesome and disruptive.

Sources: "In Praise of Nepotism: A Natural History" Adam Bellow.  "Maria Antonietta Visceglia Court and Politics in Papal Rome, 1492–1700" Gianvittorio Signorotto, Cambridge University Press.  "Is Nepotism So Bad?" Klaus Kneale, Forbes Magazine

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SYNONYMS

favouritism, preferential treatment, partisanship

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Practice OWAD in a conversation today

"Having had no help from his parents, he has a very negative view of nepotism."