Научен доклад ID 2720 : 2025/3

This study investigates job displacement resulting from AI and favoritism, comparing the perceived threats of each in the Bulgarian workplace. It builds on prior research concerning favoritism`s undermining of meritocracy through personnel selection based on personal connections rather than competencies, leading to low motivation and increased willingness to quit jobs. The current research focuses on AI`s potential for job displacement. A survey conducted in Bulgaria confirms favoritism, particularly nepotism, is widespread, and employees feel more threatened by it than by AI. While AI is also expected to cause job displacement, leading to lower motivation, negative team environments, and increased willingness to quit, a significant portion of Bulgarian workers (60%) do not fear losing their jobs due to either favoritism or AI. Only 12% fear both, and 17.5% fear favoritism specifically. Nearly half of respondents (46.5%) believe it is highly unlikely they will be replaced by AI, and only 4.7% consider it very likely. This indicates that Bulgarian workers are more concerned about favoritism than AI-driven job displacement. The article also proposes a framework for analyzing the risk of job displacement, considering both individual (skills, experience) and institutional factors (company policies, regulations). In conclusion, potential strategies and policies for mitigating the negative effects of favoritism are discussed, including promoting transparency in selection processes and investing in fair and equitable workplace cultures.