Answer: cronyism

AnswerCrossword Clue
CRONYISMPlaying favorites
CRONYISM"You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" philosophy
CRONYISMPlaying of favorites
CRONYISMSome partial appointments
CRONYISMPartiality in job appointments
cronyismappointment of friends to posts
cronyismthe practice of favoring one's close friends, esp. in political appointments