What I find interesting is that nepotism is somewhat taboo in western culture. With businesses either deciding not to hire family or being careful to avoid favouritism.
On the other hand, shops in my area that are run by those originally from the east (or descendants thereof) are almost entirely family run with the assumption usually being that the oldest son is effectively the "deputy" and will be the one to run the business when the father retires.
Toyota's current CEO is a descendant of the founder of the company. Dynastic family members are dispersed throughout the "group companies". I wonder how much of such behavior would be tolerated in the west. (then again, James Murdoch is pretty high in News Corp so who knows).
It's also interesting to see here in the West how people that act like it would be a huge ethics violation to hire a relative have no problem hiring a friend. Drama and favoritism problems, though, are similiar, whether your'e working with friends or family.
On the other hand, shops in my area that are run by those originally from the east (or descendants thereof) are almost entirely family run with the assumption usually being that the oldest son is effectively the "deputy" and will be the one to run the business when the father retires.