file photo by Boyd Loving
The 800lb gorilla in the room is nepotism. Let me explain.
Government, and particularly local government, bears no resemblance to the private sector in many ways. We could go on about these differences but let’s just focus on how jobs are filled. Sure, there’s an element of nepotism in the private sector, but local government is almost all about political favors and basically who-you-know. Ever sent your resume in for a government job without any insider connections? You didn’t get so much as an interview, right?
Now the big problem with this kind of hiring practice is what do you do when that person screws up, or worse still, gets caught with their snout in the trough. In a lot of cases, things tend to get smoothed over and nothing gets done. In extreme cases (particularly when the issue becomes public knowledge), it becomes necessary to fire (and possibly prosecute) that person. This becomes really awkward being that the person is still well connected.
I’m not suggesting that this coin-theft guy was was one of these connected guys, but just pointing out the inherent problem of hiring people based upon the friends and family plan.
For the purposes of defending the word “nepotism” in the article, which created unecessary argument in the article it appeared in, let’s expand it to include cronyism.
I agree Declan, in Rwd cronyism is more prevalent.
Don’t gloss over nepotism in the private sector. I have seen entire divisions created just for the purpose of retaining a well connected executive’s standing in the company.
Having said that, I stand a better chance of winning the lottery than I do of getting a job in Village Hall.
#2 both seem to work very well.
Without doubt a certain amount of nepotism exists in the private sector. Any time human beings are involved in a hiring process, you will get some degree of nepotism. having said that, it’s much harder to get away with in the private sector due to accountability and competition. Poor hiring decisions in the private sector spell death and in the new climate of private sector job instability and company failures, very few senior managers are willing to risk hiring for the sake of helping a friend or relative.
Hey Declan what are your thoughts on Global Warming ?
Any time in the history of Earth, temperatures have been rising or falling. I think it’s possible that human activity might be a minor factor in effecting temerature change. I don’t believe that we as a species can reach a consensus in doing anything about it. and efforts to do anything by select countries simply creates massive inter-country economic advantages and disadvantages.
I truly believe that liberals have reached fanatical, cult-like positions on the subject, most of which has its basis in their hatred of business and commerce.
Declan, you are out of your mind. The simplified lens through which you view the world must be refreshing, though. Bless your heart.