Who Is Considered Nepotism?

In the business world, nepotism is the practice of showing favoritism toward one's family members or friends in economic or employment terms. For example, granting favors or jobs to friends and relatives, without regard to merit, is a form of nepotism.

What qualifies nepotism?

Nepotism is generally defined as the bestowal of patronage by public officers in appointing others to positions by reason of blood or marital relationship. Several states restrict nepotism by expressly prohibiting public officials from hiring relatives.

What family members are considered nepotism?

The statute defines a relative, for these purposes, as "an individual who is related to the public official as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, ...