Nepotism

Nepotism is the act of showing favoritism on the basis of kinship. For example, a business owner who hires his inexperienced and under-qualified son rather than a more qualified candidate is practicing nepotism. The word 'nepotism' comes from the Latin word for nephew, and originates with corrupt Popes who often used to give sinecures to their 'nephews' (in reality, usually their illegitimate children).