Скачать или смотреть #Favoritism

Favoritism and #bias in the workplace is an abuse of power. Authority is being used to benefit certain people unfairly while harming others who are equally—or more—qualified.

Power in a workplace comes with a responsibility to make decisions based on merit, performance, and fairness. When a manager or leader instead gives promotions, protection, opportunities, or leniency to someone they favor, they are misusing their position for personal preference, loyalty, or financial gain. That imbalance strips others of equal access to growth and safety, even though those outcomes are supposed to be neutral and earned.

This kind of abuse is often subtle, which makes it harder to challenge. The favored person may get mistakes overlooked, better schedules, inside information, or support during conflicts, while others are scrutinized, disciplined, or silenced.

Over time, favoritism erodes trust, damages morale, and creates a culture of fear where employees learn that success depends on proximity to power—not integrity or competence.

When leaders knowingly allow bias to shape outcomes, they are not just being unfair; they are exploiting their authority, which is the core definition of abuse of power.