Zhao Li

Biography

Zhao Li joined New York University Stern School of Business in July 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations.

Professor Li specializes in strategic management and political economy. One dominant theme of her current research delves into the nexus of corporate political activities, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder strategy. Her work reveals that stakeholders’ demand for corporate political activities to align with their personal values can undermine the strategic gains from such activities, ultimately transforming them into a new avenue of corporate activism. Another strand of Professor Li's research explores the intersection between corporate political activities and innovation. Her work sheds light on how firms in nascent industries or those employing disruptive technologies adapt their campaign contribution strategies to preempt regulatory uncertainty arising from innovation outpacing existing regulatory frameworks.

Prior to joining NYU Stern, Professor Li served as an Assistant Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton University.

Professor Li obtained her B.A. in Economics, Political Science, and Russian Studies with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Rochester. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Academic Background

PhD, Business Administration, 2019
Stanford Graduate School of Business

BA, Economics, Political Science, and Russian Studies, 2014
University of Rochester

Awards & Appointments

Selected Publications

Li, Zhao and Richard W. DiSalvo. (2023)
Can Stakeholders Mobilize Businesses for the Protection of Democracy? Evidence from the U.S. Capitol Insurrection
American Political Science Review 117(3): 1130-1136.

Li, Zhao (2018)
How Internal Constraints Shape Interest Group Activities: Evidence from Access-Seeking PACs.
American Political Science Review 112(4): 792–808.