This Monday, Paul Carlucci became the newest publisher of the New York Post, succeeding media magnate Rupert Murdoch at the position. Murdoch briefly returned to reign high at the Post following the resignation of his son, Lachlan Murdoch, 34.
Lachlan was clearly a bit young for such an ambitious position. It may be unfortunately cynnical, but I usually find the "taking time with my family" story to be suspect. I'd venture to say that he bit off more than he could chew. Rupert Murdoch "has made clear that he would like one of his children to succeed him." Is this a good idea? Does that mean his son will one day be right for the job?
Normally one with democratic ideals would consider the idea of nepotism to be adverse to fairness in business. Shouldn't they aim to find the best person for the job? In these days of corporate scandal, I'm inclined to think twice. Someone who considers the company they lead to be a part of their family may be less likely to lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead. They have nothing but shame to be found in ripping off their fathers before them.
There are a lot of nuances to nepotism, and it finds its major harm in the lower ranks, where younger blood struggles to get ahead, only to be stymied by someone's nephew who is simply given the job. Clearly to prepare for top positions, family members such as Lachlan would have to breeze through the ranks. I'd be willing to consider it these days though. It may save many jobs in the long run, and thats really what newspapers need today.
willemmarx @ September 22, 2005 - 8:34am
"Democratic ideals." "idea of nepotism," "adverse to fairness in business?" What about in politics? If you were to ask people around the world what they think of George H.W. Bush as president, followed less than a decade later with George W. Bush as president, with the decision on his presidency decided by the state governed by his brother, what would they say about democratic ideals? I fear that nepotism in the US, the UK, and any other nation with these so-called "democratic ideals" is not only prevalent in business, but also in every other aspect of life. And it is surely more a meritocracy than a democracy wherein the best person should be found for the job?
»