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<p>212.56.97.238: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Wikify|date=November 2008}}<br /> {{Refimprove|date=December 2008}}<br /> '''Wasta''' (Arabic: وَسْطة) is an Arabic expression that loosely translates into ‘whom you know’ or 'clout'. It refers to using one’s influence or connections to get things done, such as quick renewal of a passport, waiving of traffic fines, and even garnering prestigious jobs. Wasta is deeply ingrained in Middle East culture, having been the de facto way of getting things done for decades.<br /> <br /> ==Etymology==<br /> Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard [[Arabic]] word &quot;wasīṭ&quot;( وسيط) which commonly means medium but also often means something akin to intermediary, intercessor, or middle-man.<br /> <br /> A [[Bahrain]]i diarist{{Who|date=March 2009}} provides some information about how the practice originated:-<br /> <br /> {{quote|The system evolved to preserve the social structure of the tribe. It allowed for the leadership to distribute the tribe's wealth as they deemed in their wisdom and experience would preserve peace and harmony. They would grant access to opportunities to those most deserving or to those who would otherwise be left behind, at their discretion. It is also important to keep the tribe from weakening itself, therefore internal competition is avoided.}}<br /> <br /> Furthermore, companies in the [[Arab world]] rarely have a ‘no-nepotism’ policy in place, so one can often find a workforce with some unqualified relatives and friends. This takes place in both the public and private sectors.<br /> <br /> In many Arab countries, such as [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Kuwait]] and [[Qatar]], wasta affects hiring and promotion decisions. This is not restricted to Arab nationals but is also practised by expatriates who use their connections as wastas.<br /> <br /> Lately,{{When|date=June 2009}} wasta is discussed in the [[Middle East]] and its negative impacts discussed. With respect to recruitment, there seems to be a movement away from this wasta, especially in the case of multinationals and professional firms. However, Wasta is still widely used in the region.<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> * http://www.aqoul.com/archives/2005/07/the_wonders_of.php<br /> * http://desertislandboy.blogs.com/home/2004/11/where_nepotism_.html<br /> * http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1740626<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Whuffie]]<br /> *[[Blat (Russia)|Blat]]<br /> *[[Guanxi]]<br /> [[Category:Arabic culture]]</div>

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