When he appeared before the British parliament in July, Rupert Murdoch looked like an old man, remote and out of control. In old-style family firms, there is a clear rule of succession that the oldest son takes over.
家族企业的第二大致命伤是继承问题。本月出席英国议会听证会时，默多克表现得像是远离公司管理的垂暮家翁。老派家族企业的继承有一条明确的规矩——长子继位。但应该承认这条规矩存在缺陷。显然不能保证长子一定是最好的生意人，万一碰上个不肖之子，要么败家，要么内讧。