What does nepotism refer to in a professional context?

Nepotism in a professional context specifically refers to favoritism shown to relatives or close friends, often in the hiring or promotion processes. This practice indicates that individuals are given unfair advantages or preferential treatment due to their personal relationships rather than their qualifications, skills, or professional merits.

When nepotism occurs, it can lead to an unmerited hierarchy where individuals may be employed or promoted not because of their competence but because of their personal connections. This can create an environment that undermines fairness and equality in the workplace, leading to a lack of trust among employees and potentially decreasing overall motivation and productivity.

The other responses involve concepts like qualifications, competitive exams, and merit, which are fundamentally about objective criteria for hiring and promotion, contrasting sharply with the subjective nature of nepotism.