Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 6.6
FAVORITISM DAMAGES TRUST
Favoritism happens when employees receive unfair advantages because of personal preference rather than legitimate workplace reasons.
It may appear in:
- easier assignments
- preferred schedules
- extra opportunities
- ignored misconduct
- special access
- private information
- more praise
- fewer consequences
Even the appearance of favoritism can affect trust.
But supervisors should also be careful not to confuse every difference with favoritism.
Different treatment may be legitimate when circumstances are different.
EXAMPLE:
An experienced employee may receive a complex assignment because they have the required skill.
That is not automatically favoritism.
Poor
“I gave him the opportunity because I like working with him.”
Better
“I assigned him because this task requires the certification and experience he currently has.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
One employee always gets weekends off because they are the supervisor’s friend.
EXAMPLE 2
A high-performing employee receives additional development opportunities based on documented performance.
That may be legitimate.
EXAMPLE 3
A supervisor overlooks repeated misconduct from a favorite employee.
Trust across the team suffers.
EXAMPLE 4
Two employees receive different assignments because one has specialized training.
Different does not automatically mean unfair.
Remember
Fairness does not always mean identical treatment.
The reason matters.
Workplace action
For an important decision, ask: Can I explain the work-related reason clearly?
Quick Check
Which situation is most likely favoritism?