THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 5

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

AN ESSENTIAL UNIT “The family business is still an essential unit in modem industry, ’ writes Mr John Benn, a member of the wellknown linn of publishers, in the ' Nation.'' "An established family owning and working in a firm ensures stability, and, on the lowest basis, in looking after the family interests it must also serve those of the public. The family business is especially dependent on reputation, and any- attempt at dishonest service must soon bring ruin. Equally, front the standpoint of employees, there is much to commend the hereditary proprietor. To put the matter again on its lowest basis, lie can obtain efficient work only in a cordial atmo, sphere. From the nature of the case, he must try to fit round pegs in round holes. Snell a process of trial and error is usually denied to the salaried manager, whose sole must be productive efficiency. Instances of men having held halt a dozen jobs with indifferent success before finding their mark may be cited in the writer’s business. There is here an element of human consideration in striking contrast to tlie impersonal attitude characteristic of many large concerns whose main standard is the balance sheet. In a period .when the foundations of industry are by no means secure, the maintenance of a team spirit, comparable with that of the public school, is perhaps the most valuable service rendered by the family business. However embarrassing or e.ven dangerous it may he for ‘young Mr James,’ the affectionate -regard felt for him by the staff embodies a tradition which is not without value.”