Favoritism, nepotism, cronyism and the effects towards job satisfaction among the employees in Majlis Daerah Samarahan / Jessica Meringai & Vecklynnia Serawa Bidah

Favoritism, nepotism, cronyism usually practiced by superior and those in upper position in the organization. Favoritism is common and this practiced almost everywhere (Ozler and Buyukarsian, 2011). Favoritism means to given special treatment to employees better than the others not because he/she is competent or fit the qualification but sometime because of personal biasness (Kwon, 2005). Many issues arise due to favoritism, nepotism, cronyism whereby the employees become disappoint on the unfair treatment given by superior (Ozler and Buyukarsian, 2011). Favoritism can be divided into two terms which is nepotism and cronyism which related with misconduct in business context (Merriam Webster, 2012). The term nepotism is generated from Latin word “nepot” which refers to nephew (Arasli & Turner, 2008). This is some kind of favoritism shown to individuals who have some blood ties with them (Merriam Webster, n d). For example, their spouse, family member or their son/daughter. If the superior involve in recruitment process, they will likely to recruit the one with blood ties to them and tend to ignore the applicants with better skills and qualification just because that applicant is not related to them. Meanwhile, cronyism can be defined as given special treatment to those that share the same opinion on something with them. The cronies can be from the co-workers, partner and even public as long they share similar point of view on related matter (Arasli & Turner, 2008, p.1239). Cronyism is some type of treatment given by superior to their subordinates based on their relationship with each other that is different from others subordinates (Khatri & Tsang, 2003).