There’s a shocking amount of small companies where a sizable proportion of the workers are family of the owner. The most perplexing example was a tax consultant whose 4 employees were his wife, his daughter, his son-in-law and his sister.

I’ve often looked down upon this and have been quick to label it as nepotism, but if I was in a position to hire someone, wouldn’t I prioritize someone I care about who was suffering to find acceptable working conditions in the labor market? Then again, this attitude generates a self-perpetuating problem where people can’t access to job openings through their own merits and meritocracy, because the family members of the company owner can’t find a job through their own merits and meritocracy.

  • In my home town there’s a masonry company that is 2 older brothers and 2 of their sons. They do great work, including some volunteer jobs directly for the town.

    I know 3 of my long time friends that have used the guys for projects. Everyone is very happy. I think their set up is fine. Fathers have obviously passed on the trade skills. I would never expect them to hire a rando unless they decide to expand some day.