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<p>94.98.168.74: /* Etymology */</p> <hr /> <div>{{Wikify|date=November 2008}}<br /> {{Refimprove|date=December 2008}}<br /> '''Wasta''' (Arabic: وَسْطة) is an Arabic expression that loosely translates into ‘who 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. Many Middle-Eastern companies are starting to see the long term effects of a wasta driven work force. Qualified individuals never get the same chance because they lack the right family name or connections. Some privileged individuals who are given jobs, positions, promotions, and development as a result of wasta, may feel a sense of entitlement to that job which can result in an attitude of being ‘untouchable’. They have no fear of losing that job, and they feel no drive to excel at it. This is harmful to the companies that they work for. These privileged don’t have to be productive, learn, or even work to earn the respect of their colleagues. It can create resentment among their co-workers who work hard and are productive. It can kill the motivation of earnest employees to see someone less qualified and less productive get special treatment and sponsorship. Management which actively utilizes wasta to either help themselves or others lose credibility and the loyalty of their subordinates. Companies suffer from a disengaged and disloyal work force. 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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