Favoritismul în instituțiile publice din România. Obstacol în calea meritocrației

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of favorit­ism in Romanian public institutions, focusing on its impact on meritocracy, administrative performance, and public trust. Building on a theoretical analysis of nepotism, political influence, and cronyism, the research highlights the distinctions and intercon­nections between these practices, as well as their systemic effects on the functioning of the public administration.

The methodology employed is quantitative, based on a survey conducted among 87 respondents, in­cluding individuals currently working, formerly em­ployed, or having applied for positions in the pub­lic sector. Findings reveal a high and widespread perception of favoritism, particularly in local and central administration and in the healthcare sector. The most common forms identified include recruit­ment and promotion based on personal or political ties, „fixed” competitions, and appointments without competitive procedures. Perceived effects include a decline in the quality of public services, demotiva­tion of competent employees, institutionalized cor­ruption, and erosion of citizens’ trust. Respondents suggest that measures such as increasing transpar­ency in recruitment, implementing objective perfor­mance evaluations, involving independent selection committees, and limiting political interference could significantly reduce favoritism.