Prof Dr. Zhi Yang | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award
Professor Yang Zhi is a distinguished academic in the field of Human Resource and Organization Science at the School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). With a robust background in economics and management, he has contributed significantly to the domains of innovation management and corporate strategy. His international exposure, including visiting positions at renowned institutions like MIT Sloan and the University of Cambridge, has enriched his global perspective. As an educator and researcher, Professor Yang has been instrumental in shaping contemporary thought in organizational theory and strategic management.
👨🏫 Profile
🎓 Education
Professor Yang’s academic journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from HUST (1996-2000), followed by a Master’s in Management from the same institution (2000-2003). He then pursued a Ph.D. in Economics at The University of Hong Kong (2004-2008), where he honed his research skills and deepened his understanding of economic theories. His educational foundation has been pivotal in his interdisciplinary approach to management and organizational studies, allowing him to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications effectively.
🧑🏫 Experience
With over two decades in academia, Professor Yang has held various esteemed positions. He has served as a visiting professor and scholar at institutions such as the University of Texas at Dallas, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the University of Cambridge. At HUST, he has been a cornerstone in the Department of Human Resource and Organization Science, contributing to curriculum development and mentoring students. His roles have not only been limited to teaching but also encompass significant administrative and research responsibilities, reflecting his multifaceted expertise.
🔬 Research Interests
Professor Yang’s research interests lie at the intersection of innovation management, corporate strategic management, and organizational theory. He explores how organizations adapt to changing environments, the dynamics of strategic decision-making, and the mechanisms driving innovation within firms. His work often integrates behavioral theories of the firm, providing nuanced insights into managerial decision processes and organizational adaptability. Through empirical studies and theoretical models, he contributes to a deeper understanding of how organizations can navigate complexity and foster innovation.
🏆 Awards
Professor Yang’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through various accolades. He has been a principal investigator for multiple projects funded by the China National Natural Science Foundation, reflecting the national acknowledgment of his research’s significance. His contributions to journals and academic conferences have earned him commendations, and his role as an external board director for Hubei Communications Investment Group Co., LTD, underscores his influence beyond academia. These honors attest to his impactful work in both theoretical and applied aspects of management science.
📚 Publication Top Notes
Li, J.T., Li, L., Yang, Z., & Tian, X. (2024). Managing Disruptions in International Distribution Channels: Effectuation, Business Model Innovation, and Channel Resilience. Journal of International Business Studies.
Yang, Z., Yang, J.L., & Liang, X. (2024). Organizational Sensemaking, Outside-in Entrepreneurial Marketing Capability, and Effectual Problem Setting. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(10), 2626-2651.
Yang, Z., & Yang, J.L. (2024). Holding Friends Closer or Keeping Them at a Distance: The Intimacy with Founding Members and Its Effect on Entrepreneurs’ Effectual Problem Setting. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 14(3), 1097-1132.
Xiao, J., Yang, Z., Li, Z., & Chen, Z. (2023). A Review of Social Roles in Green Consumer Behaviour. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 47(6), 2033-2070.
Li, Z., Li, F., Xiao, J., & Yang, Z. (2020). Topic Features in Negative Customer Reviews: Evidence Based on Text Data Mining. The Review of Socionetwork Strategies, 14, 19-40.
Yang, Z., Jiang, Y., & Xie, E. (2019). Buyer-supplier relational strength and buying firm’s marketing capability: An outside-in perspective. Industrial Marketing Management, 82, 27-37.
Yang, Z., & Wei, T. (2019). Foreign Ownership and External Knowledge Acquisition: A Comparison between International Subsidiaries and Local Firms in China. International Studies of Management & Organization, 49(2), 151-172.
Xie, E., Yang, Z., & Reddy, K.S. (2019). Institutional Environment and Inter-firm Collaborative Relationships: An Introductory Perspective and Ideas for Future Research. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 34(6), 1264-1269.
Yang, Z., Zhang, H., & Xie, E. (2017). Relative Buyer-supplier Relational Strength and Supplier’s Information Sharing with the Buyer. Journal of Business Research, 78, 303-313.
Yang, Z., Zhang, H., & Xie, E. (2017). Performance Feedback and Supplier Selection: A Perspective from the Behavioral Theory of the Firm. Industrial Marketing Management, 63, 105-115.