J.T. Li

Prof. Li is Chair Professor of Management, Lee Quo Wei Professor of Business, and Director of Center for Business Strategy and Innovation, and Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Senior Fellow, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He served as Senior Associate Dean of the HKUST Business School from 2013 to July 2017; Associate Dean (Faculty) from 2009 to 2013; and Head of the Management Department from 2006 to August 2017.

Prof. Li is an elected Fellow of of the Academy of International Business (AIB), and has been elected as Vice President of the AIB and the Program Chair of the 2018 AIB annual conference in the US. He is Editor of the Journal of International Business Studies, responsible for research related to strategy and policy in emerging economies. He has served as Associate Editor for the Strategic Management Journal, a leading journal in management, from 2009-2016. He is also on the editorial boards of the Academy of Management Journal, Global Strategy Journal, Journal of Management, and Long Range Planning. He served as Program Chair of the Strategic Management Society’s special conference held in Hong Kong in December 2016.

Prof. Li is an expert on global business strategy. His current research interests are in the areas of organizational learning, strategic alliances, corporate governance, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on issues related to global firms and those from emerging economies. His research work has been published regularly in premier management journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management, and Journal of International Business Studies, and several of which have won best paper awards.

A passionate teacher at the UG, MBA, EMBA, Executive Education, and PhD levels, he has repeatedly been recognized on the Teaching Excellence Honor Roll and with teaching excellence citations over the years. During his tenure as Head of the Management Department, the department has won the Franklin Department Teaching Excellence Award six times. At HKUST, Prof. Li has served on various university-level committees, including as the Chair of the University Appointments and Substantiation Committee and a member of the University Administrative Committee. As Associate Dean (Faculty) of the HKUST Business School from 2009 to 2013, he was responsible for the school’s faculty development. As Senior Associate Dean from 2013 to 2017, he oversaw all aspects of the school’s research portfolio. Prof. Li has served the Hong Kong community in multiple roles. He writes regularly for the Hong Kong Economic Journal. He has served on the Business Panel of the University Grants Committee in its Research Assessment Exercise, and he has been a member on the Research Grants Council’s Business Panel. He has also served on the Human Resources Committee of the Fu Hong Society which provides homes for the handicapped in Hong Kong. Since 2016，Prof Li has been contributing actively to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong by serving as a faculty mentor for start-up ventures at the Hong Kong X entrepreneurial platform.

Prof. Li received his Ph.D. in strategy from the University of Texas. He joined the HKUST in 1997 as an Assistant Professor of Management. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2000, Full Professor in 2006, Chair Professor in 2009, and Lee Quo Wei Professor of Business in 2016. Before joining HKUST, he was with McKinsey & Company in Hong Kong, a global management consulting firm.

Academic qualifications

• Ph.D. University of Texas, Management
• M.B.A. Portland State University, Management
• B.S. Dalian Maritime University, Mechanical Engineering

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, School of Business and Management, Senior Associate Dean, since July 2013, Associate Dean (Faculty), April 2009 - Jun 2013.

-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Management, Lee Quo Wei Professor of Business, since Feburary 2016, Chair Professor, since July 2009, Head, July 2006 – August 2017, Professor, July 2006 – June 2009, Acting Head, January – June, 2006, Associate and Assistant Professor, 1997 – 2006.

-University of Hawaii, Department of Management, Associate Professor, 1994 – 1996 (on leave from 9/94 – 12/96), Assistant Professor, 1992 – 1994.

-McKinsey & Company, Hong Kong, Management consultant, advised leading multinational corporations and Asian companies on corporate strategy and alliances/partnerships in Greater China, 1994 – 1996.

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PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Journal Publications (Chronological, alphabetical)

-Xie, Z. & Li, J.T. 2018. Exporting and innovating among emerging market firms: The moderating role of institutional development. Journal of International Business Studies , 49: 222-245. (Download here)

-Xie, Z. & Li, J.T. 2017. Selective imitation of compatriot firms: Entry mode decisions of emerging market multinationals in cross-border acquisitions. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 34:47-68. (Download here)

-Xie, Z. & Li, J.T. 2017. Export intensity, domestic competition, and product innovation in an emerging economy. International Journal of Technology Management, 74:96-121. (Download here)

-Li, J.T., Li, P., & Wang, B. 2016. Do cross-border acquisitions create value? Evidence from overseas acquisitions by Chinese firms. International Business Review, 25: 471-483. (Download here)

-Li, J.T., & Wan, G. 2016. China’s cross-border mergers and acquisitions: A contextual distance perspective. Management and Organization Review, 12: 449-456. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Xie, Z. 2016. Governance structure and the creation and protection of technological competencies: International R&D joint ventures in China. Management International Review, 56: 123-148. (Download here)

-Yao, K & Li, J.T. 2016. Multi-market contact and foreign entry location decisions in China. Management International Review, 56: 95-122. (Download here)

-Li, J.T., Qian, C. & Yao, K. 2015. Confidence in learning: Inter- and intra-organizational learning in foreign market entry decisions. _ Strategic Management Journal _, 36: 918-929. (Download here)

-Li, J.T., Tian, L. & Wan, G. 2015. Contextual distance and the international strategic alliance performance: A conceptual framework and a partial meta-analytic test. Management and Organization Review, 11: 289-313. (Download here)

-Tang, Y., Li, J.T. & Yang, H. 2015. What I see, what I do: How executive hubris affects firm innovation. Journal of Management, 41: 1698–1723. (Download here)

-Xie, Z. & Li, J.T. 2015. Demand heterogeneity, learning diversity and innovation in an emerging economy. Journal of International Management, 21: 277-292. (Download here)

-Special Issue on "From Resources and Value Chains to Consumer Benefits and Innovation Ecosystems: Demand-Side Perspectives in International Business”

-Yang, J.Y., Li, J.T., & Delios, A. 2015. Will a second mouse get the cheese: Learning from early entrants’ failures in a foreign market. _ Organization Science _. 26: 908-922. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Ng, C. 2013. The normalization of deviant organizational practices: The non-performing loans problem in China. Journal of Business Ethics, 114: 643-653. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Qian, C. 2013. Principal-principal conflicts under weak institutions: A study of corporate takeovers in China.  Strategic Management Journal , 34: 498-509. (Download here)

-Republished in a summary form in the Chinese Management Insights, 2014.

-Li, J.T. & Tang, Y. 2013. The social influence of executive hubris: Cross-cultural comparison and indigenous factors. Management International Review, 53: 83-107. (Download here)

-Xie, Z. & Li, J.T. 2013. Internationalization and indigenous technological efforts of emerging economy firms: The effect of multiple knowledge sources. Journal of International Management, 19: 247-259. (Download here)

-Kozhikode, R. & Li, J.T. 2012. Political pluralism, public policies, and organizational choices: Banking branch expansion in India, 1948–2003.  Academy of Management Journal , 55: 339-359. (Download here)

-Finalist, the 2012 Best Paper Award for articles published in Academy of Management Journal

-Li, J.T. 2011. Rethinking international and global strategy. Global Strategy Journal, 1: 275-278. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Xie, Z. 2011. Global R&D strategies in an emerging economy: The development and protection of technological competencies. European Management Review, 8: 153-164. (Download here)

-Yang, J.Y., Tipton, B. & Li, J.T. 2011. A review of foreign business management in China. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 28: 627-659. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. 2010. Global R&D alliances in China: Collaborations with universities and research institutes. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 57: 78-87. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Tang, Y. 2010. CEO hubris and firm risk taking in China: The moderating role of managerial discretion.  Academy of Management Journal , 53: 45-68. (Download here)

-Republished in a summary form in Chinese Management Insights, 2012, 1 (2): 756-78.

-Li, J.T. & Yao, K. 2010. The role of reference groups in international investment decisions by firms from emerging economies. Journal of International Management, 16: 143-153. (Download here)

-Kuilman, J. & Li, J.T.  2009. Grades of membership and legitimacy spillovers: Foreign banks in Shanghai, 1847-1935.  Academy of Management Journal , 52: 229-245. (Download here)

-Kuilman, J., Vermeulen, I. & Li, J.T. 2009. The consequents of organizer ecologies: A logical formalization.  Academy of Management Review , 34:253-272. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Kozhikode, R. 2009. Developing new innovation models: Shifts in the innovation landscapes in emerging economies and implications for global R&D management. Journal of International Management, special issue on Emerging CEO Agenda, 15: 328-339. (Download here)

-Lee, S., Shenkar, O. & Li, J.T. 2008. Cultural distance, investment flow and control in cross-border cooperation. _ Strategic Management Journal _, 29: 1117–1125. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. 2008. Asymmetric interactions between foreign and domestic banks: Effects on market entry. _ Strategic Management Journal _, 29: 873-893. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Harrison, R. 2008. National culture and the composition and leadership structure of boards of directors. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 16: 375-385. (Download here)

-Finalist, the 2008 Best Paper Award for the best articles published in the Corporate Governance: An International Review.

-Li, J.T. & Kozhikode, R. 2008. Knowledge management and innovation strategy: The challenge for latecomers in emerging economies. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 25: 429-450. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Yue, D.R. 2008. Market size, legal institutions, and international diversification strategies: Implications for the performance of multinational firms. Management International Review, 48(6): 667-688.(Download here)

-Takeuchi, R., Shay, J.P. & Li, J.T. 2008. When does decision autonomy increase expatriates’ adjustment? An empirical test.  Academy of Management Journal , 51: 45-60. (Download here)

-Wang, H., Choi, J. & Li, J.T. 2008. Too little or too much? Untangling the relationship between corporate philanthropy and firm financial performance.  Organization Science , 19: 143-159. (Download here)

-Winner of Best Paper Award, Social Issues in Management Division, Academy of Management, Honolulu.

-Wang, H. & Li, J.T. 2008. Untangling the effects of over-exploration and over-exploitation on organizational performance: The moderating role of environmental dynamism. Journal of Management, 34: 925-951. (Download here)

-Yang, J.Y. & Li, J.T. 2008. The development of entrepreneurship in China. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 25:335–359. (Download here).

-Li, J.T., Yang, J.Y. & Yue, D.R. 2007. Identity, community, and audience: How wholly owned foreign subsidiaries gain legitimacy in China.  Academy of Management Journal , 50: 175-190. (Download here)

-Kuilman, J. & Li, J.T. 2006. The organizers’ ecology: An empirical study of foreign banks in Shanghai._ Organization Science _, 17: 385-401. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Hambrick, D.C. 2005.  Factional groups: A new vantage on demographic faultlines, conflict, and disintegration in work teams.  Academy of Management Journal , 48: 794-813. (Download here)

-Li, J.T. & Yue, D.R. 2005. Managing global research and development in China: Patterns of R&D configuration and evolution. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 17 (3): 317-337. (Download here)

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Recent articles in media

-Articles published in Hong Kong Economic Journal (in Chinese):

-Automation to Reshape the Job Market (30.01.2018)

-China to Launch Pilot Zone for Innovation (05.12.2017)

-China Should Proceed Further with Innovation (31.10.2017)

-People-oriented System to Address Employee Dissatisfaction (05.09.2017)

-Risk of Fewer Types of Job for Women (22.08.2017)

-AI Disruption to Future Jobs (25.07.2017)

-AI is Set to Replace Manpower (16.05.2017)

-Mainland Enterprises Overseas Acquisition and Merger (11.04.2017)

-"Profit Discovery" - Key to Corporate Success (14.03.2017)

-A Critical Step on State-Enterprise Reform (26.01.2017)

-Challenges and Opportunities Amid Trade War (20.12.2016)

-Debt-to-Equity to Resolve Mainland Debt Crisis (22.11.2016)

-Reforms of Mainland State and Central Enterprises Enter Critical Stage (11.10.2016)

-Acquisition and Merger by Mainland Corporations – Haste Makes Waste (13.09.2016)

-Challenges of Declining Investment from Mainland Citizens (16.08.2016)

-Time to Eliminate “Zombie Enterprises” (06.07.2016)

-State Enterprise Reform is Key to Future Success (22.09.2015)

-State Enterprise Exec Salary Reform Bears Immense Significance (09.12.2014)

-China Implements “Shattering” Reform on Enterprise Monitoring (14.10.2014)

-CSR of Food Manufacturers (16.09.2014)

-Opening Up Industries Monopolized by State Enterprises Puts Reform in Full Swing (06.05.2014)

-State Enterprise Reform Key to Total Economic Reform (03.12.2013)

-“383 Plan” Outlines China''s Reform across the Board (05.11.2013)

-Shanghai Free-Trade Zone: "Revolutionary" Change of System (08.10.2013)

-Small and Micro Enterprises'' Emergence from Difficulty to Drive China’s Economic Shift (20.08.2013)

-State Council’s Guidance Advice on Economic Structure Adjustments Needs Backing of Investment System Reform (16.07.2013)

-Industry Competitiveness Sheds Light on Direction of Government Power Decentralisation and Reform (28.05.2013)

-Key to Successful Efficiency Optimization through Super Ministry Reform (19.03.2013)

-China to Re-select Institutional Arrangement through Urbanisation (26.02.2013)

-Preliminary Discussion of the Urbanization Strategy under “Xi-Li’s Reform” (08.01.2013)

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REVIEW ACTIVITIES

-Editor

-Journal of International Business Studies (2016-)

-Member of Editorial Board:

-Academy of Management Journal (2013-)

-Journal of Business Research (2007-)

-Journal of International Management (2002-)

-Journal of Management (2011-)

-Ad Hoc Reviewer (partial listing):

-Academy of Management Review

-Management Science

-Organization Science

-Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

-Multinational Corporate Strategy

-International Expansion and Performance

-Corporate Governance in Asia

-Alliances/Joint Venture Success in China

-Global R&D and Innovation in China

-Chinese Management and Organizations

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FUNDED PROJECTS

-GRF Competitive Earmarked Research Grant. 2014-16, PI. "Contextual Distance and the Learning Processes in International Strategic Alliances"

-HKUST Special Research Fund Initiative (SRFI) Research Grant. 2011-14, PI. "Enhancing Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong: Innovation, Enterprises, and Hong Kong''s Sustainable Competitive Advantage.

-GRF Competitive Earmarked Research Grant, 2010-13, CI. "When does Managerial Social Capital Contribute to Firm Performance? Evidence from Chinese Information Technology Industry, 2000-2008."

-HKUST RPC grant, 2010-12, PI. "Entrepreneurship as an Engine for Sustaining Growth."

-GRF Competitive Earmarked Research Grant. 2009-12, PI. "CEO Hubris, Managerial Discretion, and Firm Risk Taking in China."

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HONORS AND AWARDS

-2016. Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB)

-2013. Finalist of the AMJ Best Article of 2012 Award, Academy of Management.

-Kozhikode, R. & Li, J.T. 2012. Political pluralism, public policies, and organizational choices: Banking branch expansion in India, 1948–2003. Academy of Management Journal, 55: 339-359.

-2012. Winner of the best paper award for the strategic management track at 8th Asia Academy of Management Conference.

-Qian, C, Li, J. T., & Wang, H. "Seize the state, seize the day? The relationship between corporate political activities and corporate financial performance in a transition economy."

-2012. Winner of the IM Division Fundação Dom Cabral Best Paper in Strategy / IB Theory, the Academy of Management.

-Yang, J.Y., J.T. Li & A. Delios. “Confidence in learning from others'' failures: Foreign investment strategy in a transition economy.”

-2011. Nominated for the SMS Best Practice Implications Award, the Strategic Management Society, Miami.

-Tang, Y., Li, J.T. & Yang, H. “How executive overconfidence affects firm innovation.”

-2009. Nominated for a 2008 Best Paper Award for the best articles published in the CGIR (Corporate Governance: An International Review).

-Li, J.T. & Harrison, R. 2008. National culture and the composition and leadership structure of boards of directors. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 16: 375-385.

-2008. Nominated for both the SMS Best Conference Paper Prize, and the SMS Best Conference Paper for Practice Implications Award, the Strategic Management Society, Cologne.

-Li, J.T. & Qian, C. “Mimetic diffusion, knowledge spillovers, and expatriate assignment practice.”

-2008. Nominated for the Temple/AIB Best Paper Award, Academy of International Business, Milan.

-Li, J.T., & Yang, J.Y. “Competition, learning, and foreign entry strategy: The evolution of foreign subsidiaries in China.”

-2006. Winner of Best Paper Award, Australia and New Zealand International Business Academy, Wellington.

-Yang, J.Y., Li, J.T. &  Delios, A.. “Failure-induced learning, causal ambiguity, and foreign market entry.”

-2005. Winner of Best Paper Award, Social Issues in Management Division, Academy of Management, Honolulu.

-Wang, H.,  Choi, J. &  Li, J.T. “Too little or too much? Reexamining the relationship between corporate charitable giving and corporate financial performance.”