Nepotism Vs. Favouritism

Varna system in later Vedic India has roots in the concept of nepotism. A Brahmin's son would become a priest or a teacher alone, Kshatriya's son would become a King or a warrior, Vaishya's son would continue his father's business. Shudra's son would carry out manual scavenging and menial jobs for the rest of the classes. This was to ensure smooth progression of the society with Division of labour. However, this system was turned on its head when nepotism turned into favoritism. The essence of Varna system was encashed irrespective of whether the sons be deserving or skilled enough to continue their father's profession, or proficient enough to probably rule over some other sector of their innate or acquired skills.

The epic of Ramayan talks extensively of 'Favoritism' where the debate revolves around whether the deserving Rama should take over the reigns of administration, or the less-deserving Bharata should get the throne.

The debate over Nepotism has once again came to lime-light with the unprecedented death of Mr. Sushant Singh Rajput.

A journalist friend of mine approached me to write him an article about this. Is this nepotism on his part? I didn't charge him anything, is this nepotism on my part? I gave a thought to this topic, formulated my opinion, spent time over penning it down; worked dedicatedly to bring this piece to you. Since I did this for my friend, is this nepotism? I don't think it is. My friend is impressed by my ideology and I am comfortable working with him. Higher level of loyalty towards a friend/ relative who has hired you brings more commitment and ownership of a common goal. A family-type of environment can boost the morale of workers which positively impact outcomes.

But this article, in no way, is intended to justify nepotism.

In an award function, just because someone was closer to the jury members, s/he gets awarded. Or in a company, 8-10 employees who forms the inner-circle of the boss, gets promoted quick and easy, gets favorable locations, positions and perks. This sure is, Nepotism. The morale of rest of the employees goes down, loyalties get compromised. The worst form of nepotism is visible in 'Bullying', due to which numerous people fall prey to losing one's own importance, getting mentally depressed and even commit suicide.

Despite the advantages of a comfortable work culture, reduction in recruitment costs, why is nepotism perceived as an evil? It is because of lack of ethics, non-recognition of talent and indifference to the greater  common good.

While using nepotism, we should abide by ethics to ensure that the whole situation goes smoothly not only for your 'nephews', but everyone in and out of the institution. Without Ethics, the whole thing falls apart and this is exactly what gives nepotism an infamy. The 'nephews' should work just as hard, be disciplined as much, and be held to the same rules as everyone else in the institution. Nepotism should in no way cross over the line into favoritism.

It is therefore important to understand the difference between 'personal equations', 'comfort level' and 'nepotism' to carry forward the debate of  'favoritism vis-a-vis nepotism'.