I was intrigued to read about the 40-generation (!!!) survival of Kongo Gumi construction of Japan. Found an article at http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/apr2007/sb20070416_589621.htm?campaign_id=rss_topEmailedStories which goes into more detail on their success and ultimate failure. The 40th CEO was recently interviewd, where he cited the company's flexibility in selecting leaders as a key factor in its longevity. Rather than simply picking the eldest son (the default method), the firm chose one who best exhibited the required characteristics for the job. Furthermore, it wasn't always a son. The 38th Kongo to lead the company was Masakazu's grandmother. That was quite a step for tradition-steeped Asian company!!
Keith
Disgusting
16 years ago
great post. smart way to manage their company.
ReplyDeletehow many years is 40 generations? i think its smart to pass it down to the best not the next in line..
ReplyDeleteWow-what a great run they had! It's so sad that they went under and a sad marker of the current state of economics worldwide.
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