Cliquism

Cliquism is the practice of forming exclusive, often small, groups of people, or cliques, and favoring their members in ways that disadvantage outsiders. It often involves self-interest, favoritism, and a reluctance to include others, leading to social division and the marginalization of those not belonging to the favored group. cliquism can manifest in various settings, from social circles and workplaces to political arenas, and can have detrimental effects on fairness, equality, and overall collaboration.

Cliquism meaning with examples

• In the school's student council, a small clique practiced cliquism by consistently awarding leadership positions only to their friends, excluding more qualified students from participating and making decisions. This created resentment and hindered genuine representation of the student body's interests.
• The company's promotion process was plagued by cliquism, with managers favoring individuals from their social circle, regardless of their performance or expertise. This lack of transparency damaged employee morale, stifled innovation, and resulted in a less effective, less diverse workforce.
• During the political campaign, accusations of cliquism surfaced when it was revealed that funding and endorsements were disproportionately channeled to candidates connected to a powerful lobby group, potentially undermining the democratic process and favoring a select few.
• Within the social club, cliquism was evident in the selective invitations to events and limited access to information. Members were unwilling to introduce or share resources with outsiders, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere and perpetuating an environment of exclusivity.