Translator Management: A Case Study of the Ming-Dynasty’s Ethnic House

Abstract

Translator management may be seen as the use of some management methods to manage translators in a certain environment so as to achieve a certain management purpose and improve operational efficiency. The present study applies contingency theory of management to the case study of translator management in the Ethnic House in the Ming Dynasty, focusing on its organisational designs, model of leadership, management methods, and needs and incentives. The findings show that there are no unified models for translator management methods, and today’s translation companies and institutions are expected to follow certain management laws and make certain adjustments based on the external and internal environments as well as the qualifications and needs of managers and translators and establish a system of contingency management in order to promote the healthy and orderly development of the language service industry.