Cronyism is defined as favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office by the American Heritage Dictionary. The word is also defined as the practice of favoring one’s close friends especially in political appointments.

Cronyism is originated in most probability from Greek Khronios (long lasting) from Khronos (time). Another source of origin of the word could be Irish Language term Comh-Roghna that stands for close pals or mutual friends. The word was first appeared in 18th century London.

Cronyism can be said antonym for meritocracy and it is there when the appointer and the potential beneficiary are in a state of social contact for long time.

Cronyism is practiced when one of the positions of authority holder feels himself weak enough to loose his or her position to someone competent, so he appoints people around him that may not try to pull his or leg for the position and in the world of politics cronyism is used derogatorily.

Cronyism and governments go side by side as governments remain under scrutiny for cronyism being the guardian of public money. In real practice it is not easy for a political position holder to avoid his or her friends for different official positions as his or her own position could be a favor of those friends. On the other hand these friends could be competent for the office and could prove an asset for the nation at that position but again governments remained susceptible to the accusation of cronyism as cronyism is easy to perceive than to prove and demonstrate.

Cronyism exists in private sector in the shape of famously known ‘the old boys club’ or ‘golden circle’ but here too drawing a line between networking and cronyism is quite difficult, but private sector may fall victim of crony capitalism, for influential personalities in private sector share business information that is considered an ethical breach of market economy principles. Enron scandal is one of the prime examples of crony capitalism.

The society has to pay heavily for cronyism and people get fewer opportunities to grow in such an atmosphere where every business opportunity goes to some acquaintance.

Cronyism is a perpetuating process and chain reaction gets more and more of cronyism culture that is hard to eradicate unless we have an effective and comprehensive legal code in vogue to deal with such situations

Tags | american heritage dictionary, Cronyism, favoritism, old friends, political appointments, regard