The main difference between nepotism and favouritism is that nepotism is the practice of using power or influence to get good employment or unfair advantages for members of one’s own family, while favouritism is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to person(s) at the expense of others.
Nepotism and favouritism are two practices that involve giving preferential treatment to someone based on some factor. Nepotism involves preferential treatment to a family member, whereas favouritism involves preferential treatment based on different reasons.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Nepotism
– Definition, Features
2. What is Favouritism
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Nepotism and Favouritism
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Nepotism, Favouritism
What is Nepotism
Nepotism is the practice of using power or influence to get good employment or unfair advantages for members of one’s own family. It basically involves a privilege, advantage, or position given to a family member. We usually use the word nepotism to describe people with power or influence. For example, a boss hiring his niece for a good job, the son of a politician entering politics based on his fathers’ work, or a professor giving the highest marks to his son. The word “nepotism” has Italian origins; it comes from the Italian word nipote, which means nephew. Its origins date back to the mid-17th century when popes and bishops were known to grant special privileges and promotions to family members, mainly their nephews (sometimes their illegitimate sons).
Nepotism can be seen in many fields, including politics, business, academia, sports, entertainment, and religion. Within an organization, nepotism can lead to monopolization of power; when people in charge of institutional decision-making are relatives, decisions made risk favoring a group of closely connected people. Generally, in employment, nepotism is considered unethical. It can also decrease the morale and commitment level of other employees.
What is Favouritism
Favouritism is the practice of favoring person(s) at the expense of others. In the context of employment, it refers to a person in a position of power showing favour toward one employee over others. This preferential treatment can take various forms; for example, giving salary raises, easy assignments, promotions, or other perks like a better office or preferential parking spot.
Favouritism can happen either intentionally or unintentionally. Favouritism can have many reasons and may take many forms. But it is usually a result of biases a person has toward others. For example, if a boss comes from a particular ethnic background, he or she may unconsciously favor employees of the same ethnicity; similarly, if a boss is an outgoing person, he may prefer employees with similar personalities.
When compared to nepotism, favouritism is a broad concept, and it includes both nepotism and cronyism. Cronyism is the practice of using power or influence to get good employment or unfair advantages for one’s friends.
Difference Between Nepotism and Favouritism
Definition
Nepotism is the practice of using power or influence to get good employment or unfair advantages for members of one’s own family, while favouritism is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to person(s) at the expense of others.
Nature
Nepotism is based on kinship or family ties, whereas favourtisim is mainly based on preferences – whether the person in power likes a person or not.
Detecting
Moreover, nepotism is usually overt, whereas favourtisim can sometimes be subtle and hard to detect.
Acceptance
Nepotism is usually more accepted than favourtisim.
Intention
The practice of nepotism is generally intentional, whereas favouritism can sometimes happen unintentionally.
Conclusion
The main difference between nepotism and favouritism is that nepotism is the practice of using power or influence to get good employment or unfair advantages for members of one’s own family, while favouritism is the practice of granting unfair preferential treatment to person(s) at the expense of others.
Reference:
1. “Nepotism.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What Is Favoritism in the Workplace? Definition and Examples.” Indeed.com
Image Courtesy:
1. “IMG_2948 NEPOTISM: A LIFE INSURANCE.” By jean louis mazieres (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “People-magnifying-glass-hiring” (CC0) via Pixabay
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