Nepotism vs. Cronyism — What's the Difference?

Favoritism shown to family members.

Favoritism shown to close friends or associates.

Discrimination in favor of kinfolk in professional matters.

The practice of awarding jobs or advantages based on friendship.

The practice of giving jobs or advantages to relatives.

Unfair preference based on personal relationships.

Unfair preference based on familial relationships.

Elevating friends over merit in organizational decisions.

Nepotism is a form of favoritism which is granted to relatives and friends in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, sports, religion and other activities. The term originated with the assignment of nephews to important positions by Catholic popes and bishops.Nepotism has been criticized since the ancient times by several philosophers, including Aristotle, Valluvar, and Confucius, condemning it as both evil and unwise.

Discrimination in favor of pals in professional situations.

Favoritism shown or patronage granted to relatives, as in business.

Cronyism is the practice of partiality in awarding jobs and other advantages to friends or trusted colleagues, especially in politics and between politicians and supportive organizations. For instance, this includes appointing "cronies" to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications; this is in contrast to meritocracy, in which appointments are made purely on qualification.

The favoring of relatives strictly]] or also personal friends broadly]] because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.

Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

Undue attachment to relations; favoritism shown to members of one's family; bestowal of patronage in consideration of relationship, rather than of merit or of legal claim.

Favoritism to friends without regard for their qualifications, especially by appointing them to political positions.

Favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)

Favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications)

Prioritizing family over merit in decision-making.

Cronyism can lead to reduced trust, morale issues, and potential incompetency if decisions are made based on relationships rather than merit.

While often viewed negatively, some cultures accept nepotism in family-run businesses. However, it's criticized when merit is overlooked.

Nepotism is criticized for potentially sidelining competent individuals in favor of less-qualified relatives, leading to inefficiencies.

By implementing clear hiring/promotion policies and promoting a merit-based culture.

Nepotism is the act of showing favoritism to family members in professional settings.

While not always illegal, many organizations have policies against both to maintain fairness and integrity.

Cronyism is the practice of favoring close friends or associates in professional situations.

While distinct, a decision could be influenced by both if it favors someone who's both a friend and a relative.

Repeated favoring of friends over equally or more qualified individuals can be a sign.

Cronyism can be found in many sectors, but its prevalence varies by organization and region.

It derives from the Latin word "nepos," meaning nephew, referencing the practice of popes favoring relatives.

Primarily, but it can also include close familial ties like marriage.

Yes, when politicians appoint or favor relatives for key positions, it's considered nepotism.

Primarily, yes. Cronyism is most often discussed in the context of jobs, promotions, or benefits granted based on friendships.

"Crony" comes from the Greek word "khronios," meaning "long-term," reflecting longstanding friendships.