Nepotism or Networking?

Some of you are probably wondering what nepotism is. Well nepotism, according to Webster Online , is an appointment to a job based on kinship. Networking, for job seekers, on the other hand is-- an exchange of information among individuals, group etc. So when one networks in order to find a job, he/she comes in contact with other individuals that have information that may lead to a position within a company for which, most frequently, their contact is already employed. This is generally a fair practice and is encouraged as a way for individuals to find employment, especially since the jobseeker usually posses the skills to employ in that position. With nepotism, one candidate has an unfair advantage over the other based on their relation to an already employed individual not necessarily on their skills or ability to perform effectively on the job. What's so wrong with this you ask? Well for one thing, in this writer's opinion, it is an unethical practice. Something akin to an individual not being able to enter a sweepstakes or contest if a family member works for the sweepstakes sponsor or company. Yes, it is unfair and presents a conflict of interest. This is the reason why you cannot enter a contest for Publishers Clearing House if you're related to Ed McMahon. The unfortunate thing is many companies still practice it as a form of networking. Companies that practice nepotism tend to have an unusually high turnover rates, and or unsatisfied employees. This is simply because employees may feel cheated or overlooked within the organization and this may lead to low morale and less productivity overall. Of course there are some exceptions such as family owned businesses, large or small that run very successfully, but the point of this article is to make you aware. Sometimes Uncle Sam is not the best candidate.