Research On Internal Management Of Jinzhong Merchant Families In Qing Dynasty

The cult of business was gradually prevailing in the central Shanxi in the Qing Dynasty,which promoted the formation and development of merchant clans.Merchant clan's origin is mainly indigenous people,as it continue to grow,clan branches are increasing.However,due to the need for business development,a joint operation mode has been adopted,which has brought common economic interests among the various tribes.At the same time,it provides cohesion and centripetal force for the continued development of the clan.Under the development model of "big clan-small family" of merchant clan,the patriarch coordinated with the tribal leader,they achieved effective handling of clan affairs and ensured the lasting prosperity of the merchant clan.The merchant clan of the central Shanxi attaches great importance to the management of the clan property such as the house,ancestral temple and graveyard.Among them,the management of houses focuses on strictly dividing functional areas,establishing account books and improving defense measures.The management of ancestral temple emphasizes standard construction and strict control over the income and expenditure of ancestral temple funds.The management of graveyard puts the location of tombs and property rights in a important position.The central Shanxi merchants' clan through comprehensive and effective management of clan property,providing material conditions for the clan to carry out various activities.In order to maintain stability and development within the clan,the central Shanxi merchant clan actively strengthened the management of the daily life of the clanman.The clan combines clan relief with relief of the rich man,establishing relief regulations,carrying out activities such as helping the poor,old people and children and supporting the marriage and funeral.It guarantees the life of the disadvantaged groups within the clan to a certain extent and eases the contradictions.In addition,the clan also uses disciplinary counsel and covenants to prevent disputes.When disputes occur,the clan follows the principle of mediation first and then engage in a lawsuit to reduce litigation.The merchant clan actively and effectively manages the social life of the clanman,playing an important role in maintaining the clan social stability and promoting its development.In terms of the management of the clanman's thoughts,the central Shanxi merchants' clan strengthened the clanman's community view by means of ancestral temple sacrifices and tomb sacrifices.In addition,the clan strengthen the clan view bycompiling genealogies and drawing ancestor image,which clarified the clan lineage and further strengthened the clanman' respect for the ancestors.Simultaneously,the clan combines family precepts guidance with clan rules punishments,and coordinats clan education and family education to together guide the people to good.The clan also strengthened the cultivation of business ethics such as frugality,integrity and justice.The clan's management of thought not only helps the clanman to form a strong whole under the concept of respecting the ancestors,but also promotes the long-term development of clan business.The central Shanxi merchants' clan in the Qing Dynasty enhanceed their own strength through internal management,which facilitated their interaction with the government and developed their relationships with famous gentlemen.It also enables clan to play a huge role in the construction of local public welfare,in this way the clan has improved their status and influence.However,because central Shanxi merchants' clan maintained the stability of the rank order,it greatly restricted their development.Therefore,the contemporary government should guide the clan to actively adapt to the trend of the times while playing a role of self-management,and coordinate the relationship between the clan and the local society and national in order to achieve common development.