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"Wasta" or "Wasata" (Arabic: واسْطة) is an Arabic word that loosely translates into '[[Wiktionary:clout# | "Wasta" or "Wasata" (Arabic: واسْطة) is an Arabic word that loosely translates into '[[Wiktionary:clout#Noun|clout]]' or 'who you know'. It refers to using one’s connections and/or influence to get things done, including government transactions such as the quick renewal of a passport, waiving of traffic fines, and getting hired for or promoted in a job. | ||
In other words, it amounts to getting something through favoritism rather than merit, or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). The English word [[cronyism]] overlaps in meaning but is not precisely the same. Roughly equivalent words in other languages include [[Sociolismo]] in Cuba; [[Blat (Russia)|Blat]] in Russia; [[Guanxi]] in Chinese | In other words, it amounts to getting something through favoritism rather than merit, or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). The English word [[cronyism]] overlaps in meaning but is not precisely the same. Roughly equivalent words in other languages include [[Sociolismo]] in Cuba; [[Blat (Russia)|Blat]] in Russia; [[Guanxi]] in Chinese and ''Vetternwirtschaft'' in German. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard [[Arabic]] word "wasīṭ"( وسيط) which commonly means medium but also often means something akin to intermediary, intercessor or middle-man. | Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard [[Arabic]] word "wasīṭ"( وسيط) which commonly means medium but also often means something akin to intermediary, intercessor or middle-man. | ||
A [[Bahrain]]i diarist{{Who|date=March 2009}} provides some information about how the practice originated: | A [[Bahrain]]i diarist{{Who|date=March 2009}} provides some information about how the practice originated: | ||
{{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.}} | {{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.}} | ||
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In many Arab countries, such as [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Kuwait]], [[Qatar]] and Lebanon, 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. | In many Arab countries, such as [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Kuwait]], [[Qatar]] and Lebanon, 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. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 23:41, 21 May 2010
"Wasta" or "Wasata" (Arabic: واسْطة) is an Arabic word that loosely translates into 'clout' or 'who you know'. It refers to using one’s connections and/or influence to get things done, including government transactions such as the quick renewal of a passport, waiving of traffic fines, and getting hired for or promoted in a job.
In other words, it amounts to getting something through favoritism rather than merit, or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). The English word cronyism overlaps in meaning but is not precisely the same. Roughly equivalent words in other languages include Sociolismo in Cuba; Blat in Russia; Guanxi in Chinese and Vetternwirtschaft in German.
Etymology
Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard Arabic word "wasīṭ"( وسيط) which commonly means medium but also often means something akin to intermediary, intercessor or middle-man.
A Bahraini diaristTemplate:Who provides some information about how the practice originated:
Furthermore, companies in the Arab world rarely have a ‘no-nepotism’ policy in place, so one can often find a workforce with friends and friends relatives who may or may not be qualified. This takes place in both the public and private sectors.
In many Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Lebanon, 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.
Lately, Template:When 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.