No matter where you want to achieve something, you have to show initiative for it to happen.
Right now we're talking about work and they say they won't work harder for advancement? Then they won't get advancement.
If we were on a DIY forum and we were talking about building a fence and they were saying "I won't take time from my day to make it and no way I'll pay someone to do it for me." my reaction would be the same, show some initiative or don't complain if shit doesn't happen.
People can complain about nepotism and jobs not going to those who deserve it, but they can't also complain about jobs going to those who decide to put in the work while they're doing the bare minimum (i.e. jobs going to those who show they deserve it because they take action and show that they're willing and able to do more).