Nepotism: Where Should We Draw the Line?

When we talk about nepotism, we must understand the fact that it's an act of favouritism, one shown to close friends and family regardless of their capabilities and qualifications. This mostly plays out in the public sector or settings when an individual has the capacity to employ or give a contract that's meant for a public institution to someone close to them, like their relatives, even when they don't qualify for such. So should such an act be criminalised, or should we let it start since, after all, everyone as humans will tend to look out for their loved ones? Below I'd state my take on these and why.

So to start with, I'd like to say that nepotism in itself shouldn't be criminalised, especially not in all situations, and when I say so, it's because I believe there are some places it should be allowed, while in others it should be made illegal. One of the places it should be made illegal is around public offien humans, everyoneiously violates an establishment's hiring rules. Take for instance a man who's polite, awarding his wife or children a state contract. Regardless of how qualified such an individual might be, they'll always be seen as an act of nepotism.

So why do I say nepotism should be criminalised in some situations, especially when it involves public offices? Firstly, it would obviously undermine fairness and equal opportunities for everyone trying to get such opportunities. It also directly promotes corruption and abuse of power by individuals who hold high ranks, and that's not to forget how such an act will or can lead to a reduction in efficiency amongst staff, especially when an unqualified individual is placed in important positions, and most of all, it can lead to a bridge of trust in such institutions or the government because people can obviously see and know that you're corrupt and are surrounding your family with public offices.

But then on the other hand, some of the reasons why I don't think nepotism should be criminalised are because in some cases, when it happens in situations such as family-owned businesses, where the owner obviously has the liberty to employ anyone they choose, at least if such a company collapses, they'll know it's because of their actions. We must also understand that because someone employed their family members doesn't mean they're wrong; some relatives are just qualified for the position and got it for their qualifications, and most of all, we must come to the understanding that proving that a situation is nepotism can be difficult because they can have explanations that best clear their name and their actions at the end of the day.

So with that understanding, that's where a balanced approach is essential. How do we do that? Well, it's simple; we simply just don't criminalise every act of nepotism. I'm sure you'll ask how we know which to criminalise and which we shouldn't. The thing is that in public offices such things should be prohibited and punishable, especially when it involves individuals like government recruitment that ought to be merit-based and that was ignored, or public officials who use their positions to benefit their families. But in private businesses, which happens to be where I said it shouldn't be criminalised, it's because it's already a family business and they can run it as they see fit.

That's about it for my take on nepotism. What do you think should be done or how should it be handled?

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