Archive:Wasta: Difference between revisions
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'''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. | '''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 and ''Vetternwirtschaft'' in German. | 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, ''protektzia'' in Israeli slang. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
Revision as of 15:29, 5 August 2011
Template:Nofootnotes Template:Refimprove Template:Other uses 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, protektzia in Israeli slang.
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.