What does nepotism specifically refer to in professional contexts?

Nepotism in professional contexts specifically refers to favoritism shown to family members or relatives in hiring, promotions, or other professional opportunities. This practice often results in family members receiving advantages based solely on their relationship rather than their qualifications or abilities. In workplaces, nepotism can undermine morale, create perceptions of unfairness among employees, and negatively affect the overall culture and productivity of an organization. Individuals who benefit from nepotism may find themselves in positions for which they are not adequately qualified, potentially leading to inefficiency or poor performance.

The other options address different concepts. Unfair competition involves practices that are deceiving or not adhering to accepted standards within a marketplace, while competition integrity refers to fairness in a competitive environment. Professional advancement is a general term that can encompass various methods of gaining promotions or career growth, but it does not specify the unethical aspect of favoring relatives, which is at the core of nepotism.