Definition
Cronyism is the practice of favoring one’s friends or associates in political or business appointments, without regard for their qualifications.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Nepotism, favoritism, partiality, patronage, bias
Antonyms
Impartiality, fairness, meritocracy
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | cronyism, cronyisms |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The CEO’s cronyism resulted in unqualified individuals being appointed to important positions in the company.
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The mayor was accused of cronyism for appointing his friends to top government positions.
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The judge’s cronyism was revealed when he appointed his law partner to a key position in the court.
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The university’s cronyism was exposed when it was discovered that most of the top positions were held by the alumni of the same fraternity.
Usage
Cronyism is a negative practice that undermines the principles of meritocracy and fair competition. It creates an environment where people are not hired or promoted based on their qualifications and abilities, but rather on personal connections and relationships. This can lead to unqualified people being placed in positions of power and influence, which can have serious consequences for the organization and society as a whole.
The word “cronyism” is derived from the noun “crony”, which means a close friend or companion. Cronyism can be seen in various fields such as politics, business, and education. It is often associated with corruption and can result in a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.
To avoid the negative consequences of cronyism, organizations should have clear and transparent hiring and promotion policies that are based on merit and qualifications. They should also have systems in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. Overall, the practice of cronyism should be discouraged, and individuals and organizations should strive to create a fair and merit-based system.