The Erosion of the Merit Principle in Academic Appointments and Promotions: The Phenomenon of Nepotism at Turkish Universities

Abstract

This study addresses the research problem of how meritocracy is systematically eroded and nepotism institutionalised within academic appointment processes. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine academics to explore their lived experiences. Findings reveal a dual mechanism of nepotism: the artificial construction of merit for favoured individuals merit-mimicry and negative nepotism via bureaucratic gatekeeping that deliberately excludes meritorious outsiders. The study concludes that nepotism operates not merely as a kinship-based anomaly but as a defensive organisational pathology that mimics meritocratic compliance, ultimately eroding organisational justice. To counter this, institutions should implement qualitative merit-congruence audits and establish independent ombudsperson systems. This paper contributes to the literature by conceptualising merit-mimicry and expanding social closure theory within the context of neoliberal academic capitalism.