Nepotism is a silent but corrosive disease that eats away at the integrity of institutions, societies, and economies. Like cancer, it starts in small, seemingly harmless ways – favoring a family member for a minor job, giving a friend an unearned promotion – but left unchecked, it spreads, weakening systems that should function based on merit, fairness, and competence. At its core, nepotism is the practice of granting jobs, promotions, or opportunities to relatives or close associates, regardless of their qualifications. While it is natural for people to want to help those they know and trust, the problem arises when favoritism replaces meritocracy.

Instead of the most competent and deserving individuals rising to positions of power and responsibility, those with personal connections take precedence. This not only damages the credibility of institutions but also demoralizes those who strive for excellence without the benefit of nepotistic ties. In workplaces, nepotism can lead to inefficiency and stagnation. When positions are filled based on relationships rather than ability, innovation suffers, and productivity declines. Employees who have worked hard to earn their place become disillusioned when they see less qualified individuals promoted simply because of their last name or personal connections. Over time, this leads to a toxic work environment where morale is low, and talented individuals leave in search of fairer opportunities.

Nepotism also creates an echo chamber within organizations. Leaders who surround themselves with family and friends may not receive honest feedback or constructive criticism. Instead, they become insulated from reality, making poor decisions that can lead to financial losses, operational failures, or even corruption scandals. On a societal level, nepotism deepens inequality. When public sector jobs, private contracts, or leadership positions are handed out based on favoritism rather than qualifications, marginalized individuals are often excluded from opportunities for advancement. Politically, nepotism undermines democracy. When people perceive that opportunities are not distributed fairly, it leads to frustration and disengagement. Transparency and merit-based systems are essential to maintaining confidence in institutions and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all.

To combat nepotism, societies must prioritize transparency, meritocracy, and accountability. Strict anti-nepotism policies, independent hiring processes, and public scrutiny can help curb this harmful practice. Education and cultural shifts toward valuing talent over connections are also essential in eradicating this deep-rooted problem. Just as cancer requires early detection and aggressive treatment, nepotism must be confronted before it spreads beyond control. Fairer and more just societies depend on it.

By Nasser Al-Hajeri