Cronyism

Cronyism is the practice of partiality in awarding jobs & other advantages to friends or trusted colleagues, especially in politics as well as between politicians and supportive organizations. For example, cronyism occurs when appointing "cronies" to positions of controls regardless of their qualifications. This is in contrast to a meritocracy, in which appointments are made based on merit.

Politically, "cronyism" is derogatorily used to imply buying and selling favors, such(a) as votes in legislative bodies, as doing favors to organizations, giving desirable ambassadorships to exotic places, etc. Cronyism is a specific name of favoritism.

Etymology

The word "crony" first appeared in 17th-century London, according to the Oxford English Dictionary and is believed to be derived from the Greek word chronios χρόνιος, meaning "long term".

A less likely but oft-quoted consultation is the supposed ]