The Meaning of Nepotism Is
What is meant by nepotism ? In general, the meaning of nepotism is an act of someone who takes advantage of a position or position to prioritize the interests of family or relatives above the public interest by choosing people not on the basis of their abilities but on the basis of family relationships or closeness.
Another opinion says that the notion of nepotism is a practice carried out by those who have power or influence by prioritizing relatives or close friends, for example giving important positions or certain jobs based on proximity, not based on ability.
Etymologically, the term “nepotism” comes from the Latin, namely “Nepos” which means nephew or grandson. So that the word nepotism can be defined as an act of selecting people not based on their abilities, but on the basis of kinship or closeness alone.
The Meaning of Nepotism According to Experts
In order to better understand what nepotism is, we can refer to the opinions of the following experts:
Kamaruddin Hidayat
According to Kamaruddin Hidayat, the meaning of nepotism is personnel management which describes a system of appointment, placement, appointment and promotion on the basis of blood ties, family or friends.
Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI)
According to the KBBI, the definition of nepotism is behavior that shows excessive liking for close relatives,
the tendency to prioritize (benefit) one’s own relatives, especially in positions, ranks within the government, the act of choosing relatives or relatives. themselves to take over the government.
The Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia No. 28 of 1999 Article I number 5 , concerning State Organizers that are Clean and Free from Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism, the meaning of nepotism is every act of a State Organizer against the law that benefits the interests of his family and or his cronies above the interests of the community, nation and state.
Characteristics of Nepotism
The practice of nepotism can be identified by observing some of its characteristics. In accordance with the meaning of nepotism, the characteristics of nepotism are as follows:
- Implementation of a position / position is usually carried out in an authoritarian manner.
- Placement or assignment of certain positions is not based on ability/skills, but because there is a family relationship or closeness.
- Lack of or no honesty of a person in carrying out the mandate given to him. For example closing the opportunity for someone who has the rights and abilities.
- There are gaps and injustices in the implementation of work and the provision of facilities. For example, certain people have higher salaries even though the work is easier and less.
Types of Nepotism
The practice of nepotism can be divided into several types. Referring to the meaning of nepotism, the types of nepotism are as follows:
Nepotism of Family Ties
Family ties nepotism is the simplest and most easily recognizable form of nepotism. For example, certain positions in the ranks of civil servants come from the same family. This can be seen from the similarity of the face and the same last name.
Nepotism College Tribalism
Nepotism College Tribalism is a form of nepotism based on the origin of the same college or major. For example, a company whose leadership comes from a certain university recruits workers for important positions only from the same university.
Organizational Tribalism
Nepotism Organizational Tribalism is a form of nepotism based on certain organizations, such as professional organizations, political parties, and others. For example, the placement of people from the same party to fill important positions in government.
Institutional Tribalism
Nepotism Organizational Tribalism is a form of nepotism where the perpetrators come from the same agency outside the current agency. For example, a company leader changes jobs and then brings other employees in groups to a new place of work.
Examples of Nepotism Forms
The practice of nepotism occurs in various fields, including in the world of business, politics, entertainment, religion, sports, and various other fields. In Indonesia, the practice of nepotism was common in the New Order government which eventually became one of the triggers for the reform movement in 1998.
The following are some examples of forms of nepotism that often occur:
- Important government officials elect their family members as heads of services even though there are others who are more capable and entitled.
- A company manager raises a salary or gives an important position to someone not because of his achievements or abilities, but because of a family relationship or closeness.
- Government officials won the tender for government projects to certain companies not because the company won the tender but because of their family or close relatives.
Impact of Nepotism Behavior
Nepotism can have a negative impact on society in general. Some of the impacts of nepotistic behavior are as follows:
- The emergence of discrimination in an effort to get opportunities for personal development or one’s career. In the end, this will result in a decrease in work motivation and performance of those who enter through the official recruitment channel.
- Loyalty conflicts arise in the organization, especially if family members occupy positions as direct supervisors above other family members in the company.
- Nepotism can close the opportunity for others who have the right to develop. Especially if the person has a personal problem with a family member of the leader or owner of the company.
- The emergence of pragmatism in society, where to get a certain job or position is no longer through competition and procedures, but by means of nepotism.
- The potential for social damage (family, community, state, and religion) will be even greater because nepotism actors no longer care about quality and public interest, but are only concerned with personal and family benefits.
Thus a brief explanation of the meaning of nepotism, its history, characteristics, and examples of forms of nepotism that often occur. Hopefully this article is useful and adds to your insight