What condition confirms that a culture has sidelined meritocracy regarding career advancement?

Answer

Advancement criteria seem vague, inconsistent, or tied to personal relationships

When the path to promotion lacks clear, demonstrable results as the primary criteria, and instead relies on inconsistent standards or personal connections, it indicates that meritocracy has been abandoned.

What condition confirms that a culture has sidelined meritocracy regarding career advancement?
jobToxicitycareerenvironmentworkplace