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'''Wasta''' or '''wāsita''' ({{Langx|ar|واسِطة|translit=wāsiṭah}}) is an [[Arabic language|Arabic]] word that loosely translates into [[nepotism]] or '[[Power (social and political)|clout]]'. It refers to | '''Wasta''' or '''wāsita''' ({{Langx|ar|واسِطة|translit=wāsiṭah}}) is an [[Arabic language|Arabic]] word that loosely translates into [[nepotism]] or '[[Power (social and political)|clout]]'. It refers to the use of personal connections or influence to achieve desired outcomes, particularly in governmental contexts. This can include expedited document processing, visa approvals, waiving of fines, or securing employment opportunities. The term is also extended to [[cronyism]] and [[nepotism]] in the allotment of [[public sector]] jobs. | ||
In other words, wasta constitutes a form of [[In-group favoritism|favoritism]], or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). | In other words, wasta constitutes a form of [[In-group favoritism|favoritism]], or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). Similar practices are observed worldwide, known as [[cronyism]] in English, [[sociolismo]] in Cuba, [[blat]] in Russia, [[guanxi]] in China, [[Vetternwirtschaft]] in Germany, [[protektzia]] in Israeli slang, and 'un pituto' in Chilean Spanish. In Brazilian-Portuguese it is referred to as "pistolão", "QI" (''Quem Indica'', or Who Indicates), or in the slang "peixada", "Pidi Padu" in [[Malayalam]] language spoken region of India, "arka" or "destek" or "torpil" in Turkish, "plecy" in Polish, "štela" in Bosnian,"veza" in Serbian "Piston" in French. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard [[Arabic]] word ({{Langx|ar|واسِطَة|translit=wāsiṭah}}) which can mean ''medium | Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard [[Arabic]] word ({{Langx|ar|واسِطَة|translit=wāsiṭah}}) which can mean ''medium'' or ''intermediary''. In contemporary usage, it signifies the use of personal networks or intermediaries to accomplish tasks or gain favors.<ref>[[Hans Wehr]] (1979), ''[[Arabic-English Dictionary]]''.</ref> | ||
In some Middle Eastern countries, the absence of strict anti-nepotism policies can lead to hiring practices where personal connections influence employment decisions. This phenomenon occurs in both public and private sectors and can result in the employment of individuals based on relationships rather than solely on qualifications. | |||
In | In recent years, there has been a shift towards merit-based recruitment, especially among multinational corporations and professional firms operating in the Middle East. However, ''wasta'' remains prevalent in various sectors, reflecting its deep cultural roots. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Revision as of 19:50, 5 March 2025
Template:Short description Template:For Template:Multiple issues
Wasta or wāsita (Template:Langx) is an Arabic word that loosely translates into nepotism or 'clout'. It refers to the use of personal connections or influence to achieve desired outcomes, particularly in governmental contexts. This can include expedited document processing, visa approvals, waiving of fines, or securing employment opportunities. The term is also extended to cronyism and nepotism in the allotment of public sector jobs.
In other words, wasta constitutes a form of favoritism, or what is informally spoken of in English as "pull" from connections (the opposite of "push"). Similar practices are observed worldwide, known as cronyism in English, sociolismo in Cuba, blat in Russia, guanxi in China, Vetternwirtschaft in Germany, protektzia in Israeli slang, and 'un pituto' in Chilean Spanish. In Brazilian-Portuguese it is referred to as "pistolão", "QI" (Quem Indica, or Who Indicates), or in the slang "peixada", "Pidi Padu" in Malayalam language spoken region of India, "arka" or "destek" or "torpil" in Turkish, "plecy" in Polish, "štela" in Bosnian,"veza" in Serbian "Piston" in French.
Etymology
Wasta is derived from the Modern Standard Arabic word (Template:Langx) which can mean medium or intermediary. In contemporary usage, it signifies the use of personal networks or intermediaries to accomplish tasks or gain favors.[1]
In some Middle Eastern countries, the absence of strict anti-nepotism policies can lead to hiring practices where personal connections influence employment decisions. This phenomenon occurs in both public and private sectors and can result in the employment of individuals based on relationships rather than solely on qualifications.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards merit-based recruitment, especially among multinational corporations and professional firms operating in the Middle East. However, wasta remains prevalent in various sectors, reflecting its deep cultural roots.
Notes
- ↑ Hans Wehr (1979), Arabic-English Dictionary.
Bibliography
- Regulation, Trust, and Cronyism in Middle Eastern Societies: The Simple Economics of 'Wasta'. (2011) Andy H. Barnett, Bruce Yandle, George Naufal, School of Business and Management-American University of Sharjah, Department of Economics- Clemson University, School of Business and Management- American University of Sharjah.
- Hutchings, K. & Weir, D. (2006). "Guanxi and Wasta: A comparison". Thunderbird International Business Review, 48(1), 141-156
- Izraeli, D. (1997). "Business Ethics in the Middle East". Journal of Business Ethics, 16(14), 1555–1560, Template:Doi
- Kocherlakota, N. R. (1996). Money is Memory. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Research Department Staff Report 218, 1-37