Nepotismo y meritocracia en el sector público colombiano: implicaciones emocionales y efectos sobre la satisfacción laboral

Abstract

Abstract

Problem statement: Perceived nepotism, understood as preferential treatment toward relatives or close associates in recruitment, promotion, or recognition processes, may undermine meritocracy, organizational justice, and transparency in the Colombian public sector. Objective: This study examined the relationships between perceived nepotism, emotions—particularly happiness and nervousness—and job satisfaction among Colombian public-sector employees. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and secondary survey data from employees in Colombian public-sector organizations. Results: Higher perceived nepotism was associated with greater nervousness, lower happiness, and lower job satisfaction. Happiness showed a positive and statistically significant relationship with job satisfaction, whereas nervousness was not significantly associated with this variable. The evaluated indirect effects were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Perceived nepotism is related to employees’ emotional well-being and job satisfaction, highlighting the importance of strengthening merit-based systems, transparency, and equity in public-sector human talent management. Contribution/Originality: The study provides empirical evidence on the joint relationship between nepotism, emotions, and job satisfaction in the Colombian public sector, a context that remains underexplored in Latin American literature, while examining the potential mediating roles of happiness and nervousness.