How greed, tribalism and political affiliation hinder progress and development

**Hypocrisy in the Workplace: How Greed, Tribalism, and Political Affiliation Hinder Progress and Development**

In many organizations l know, the expectation of professionalism and meritocracy is often overshadowed by hidden agendas rooted in tribal and political affiliations. This growing trend of hypocrisy in workplace in Sierra Leone is proving to be a major stumbling block to progress and development, particularly in sectors where fairness and equality should be paramount.

The impact of tribalism and political favoritism in the workplace is felt across different levels. Instead of fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, these affiliations encourage greed, favoritism, and an environment where the pursuit of personal or group interests trumps organizational objectives. Employees are often promoted or given opportunities not based on merit, but because of their political connections or tribal background. As a result, hardworking and capable individuals are overlooked, leading to frustration, demotivation, and ultimately, the decline of productivity.

A case in point is where management decisions are influenced by political loyalty rather than the actual qualifications or achievements of employees. This not only undermines the integrity of the organization but also fuels unhealthy competition among workers, each vying for favor from decision-makers based on affiliations instead of skills.

In extreme cases, this leads to an organization’s resources being diverted towards non-essential projects or individuals, all in the name of political patronage or tribal loyalty. The ripple effects of such practices are widespread, hampering creativity, stifling innovation, and fostering an environment where workers feel excluded and undervalued.

Furthermore, this hypocritical practice weakens trust within the workforce. When employees recognize that their contributions are sidelined in favor of less competent individuals, the organizational culture erodes. Trust is the bedrock of teamwork and productivity, and when it is replaced with suspicion, jealousy, and resentment, the organization suffers.

For any workplace to thrive, fairness, transparency, and merit-based decisions must be prioritized. Allowing tribalism and political affiliations to influence decisions not only stagnates development but also creates deep divisions that are difficult to heal. Addressing these issues begins with leadership setting a standard of integrity, ensuring that all employees are treated equally regardless of their background, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.

The road to change lies in recognizing these destructive behaviors and taking concrete steps to ensure that professionalism is upheld above all else. Only then can workplaces foster an environment conducive to progress and sustainable development.