Struggling to exist between ethics and cronyism: the dilemma of unappointed doctoral graduate academics

The active involvement and inclusion of young scholars within established higher education systems are crucial for cultivating dynamism, fostering innovation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of educational institutions. However, while some academic communities effectively harness the potential of young scholars, optimizing the benefits of their contributions, others fail to do so, leading to underutilized potential. This disparity warrants extensive research and examination. Cronyism, defined as the preferential treatment of certain groups through informal networks, undermines meritocracy and creates systemic inequalities in academic appointments and promotions. In T & uuml;rkiye, this issue is particularly significant due to the centralized structure of higher education and the influence of political and personal networks on academic decision-making.This research investigates the correlation between specific academic challenges such as limited access to resources, lack of mentorship, and inequitable opportunities, and the occurrence of cronyism, as well as explores the connection between cronyism and the career stagnation, job dissatisfaction, and psychological stress experienced by young academics. A qualitative research method was employed, and data were collected through interviews with 10 participants who were not appointed despite their success. The findings suggest that governmental interference in university administrations and policies threatens academic integrity and the protection of academic principles. Specifically, the study highlights that political appointments, biased funding allocation, restrictions on academic freedom, curricular interventions, and the manipulation of admission processes undermine academic integrity and principles. This study emphasizes the urgent need for transparent, merit-based appointment systems to address the detrimental effects of cronyism and foster a culture of academic ethics and fairness.