  cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy. cronyism exists when the appointer and the beneficiary are in social contact. often, the appointer is inadequate to hold his or her own job or position of authority, and for this reason the appointer appoints individuals who will not try to weaken him or her, or express views contrary to those of the appointer. politically, "cronyism" is derogatorily used. == etymology == the word "crony" first appeared in 18th century london, according to the oxford english dictionary to be derived from the greek word chronios (ÏÏÏÎ½Î¹Î¿Ï), meaning "long-term".compact oxford english dictionary: crony the word crony also appears in the 1811 edition of grose's vulgar tongue with a decidedly non-collegiate definition, placing it firmly in the cant of the underworld."crony: an intimate companion, a camrade; also a confederate in a robbery" - classical dictionary of the vulgar tongue, 1785 [1811]. grose another oft-quoted source is the supposed irish term comh-roghna , said to translate as "close pals", or mutual friends. however, this term apparently originated with daniel cassidy (fabricator of many fake irish terms) and is completely unknown in the irish language. (see Ã dÃ³naill's irish-english dictionary p.&nbsp;288, where the term is conspicuously absent). == concept == governments are particularly susceptible to accusations of cronyism, as they spend public money. many democratic governments are encouraged to practice administrative transparency in accounting and contracting, however, there often is no clear delineation of when an appointment to government office is "cronyism". it is not unusual for a politician to surround him- or herself with highly qualified subordinates, and to develop social, business, or political friendships leading to the appointment to office of friends, likewise in granting government contracts. in fact, the counsel of such friends is why the officeholder successfully obtained his or her powerful position&nbsp;â therefore, cronyism usually is easier to perceive than to demonstrate and prove. however, "the practice of favor
Corruption Ethically_disputed_political_practices Group_processes Nepotism Oligarchy Political_terminology_of_the_United_States Public_choice_theory