Venture(US:VEMLY) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-12 02:33Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the limitations of relying on personal relationships and "brotherhood" in business, emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and structured management for long-term success [1][3][10]. Group 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Brotherhood in Business - In the early stages of a startup, forming partnerships based on friendship can foster trust and reduce management costs, but it can also lead to blurred lines between personal and professional relationships, hindering talent attraction and retention [1][3]. - The "brotherhood" model may initially seem beneficial, as it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose, but it can become problematic as the company grows and faces challenges [3][5]. Group 2: The Importance of Meritocracy - Ren Zhengfei's approach at Huawei exemplifies the success of a merit-based system, contrasting with the "brotherhood" model that many entrepreneurs adopt initially [3][6]. - A successful organization requires a balance between personal relationships and a structured system that rewards knowledge and hard work, ensuring that management is fair and equitable [8][10]. Group 3: Challenges of Maintaining Success - After achieving success, companies face the challenge of managing the interests of long-standing employees while continuing to innovate and adapt [6][10]. - The article highlights that relying on emotional ties can lead to instability, and emphasizes the need for a strong corporate culture and clear values to motivate teams [7][10]. Group 4: Long-term Perspectives in Management - Effective management should prioritize fairness and equality among all employees, avoiding favoritism to maximize the potential of the entire team [10]. - The article concludes that while personal relationships can be valuable in the early stages of a business, a focus on merit and structured management is essential for sustainable growth and success [10].