Driving Innovation: How Professor Li Huang's Ground-Breaking Research at INSEAD is Shaping the Future of Business and Society

At INSEAD, research is not just a pursuit—it is the engine driving innovation in business and society. Meet Professor Li Huang, an Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour, whose journey epitomises the transformative power of research, fuelled by unwavering support from donors.  

With a decade-long tenure at INSEAD, Professor Li embodies the institution's ethos of rigorous research and intellectual exploration. 

"In the pursuit of understanding human behaviour lies the key to transforming workplaces and societies." - Li Huang 

Having completed her PhD in Management and Organisations at the Kellogg School of Management in the US, Professor Li embarked on a journey to explore the intricacies of human behaviour and organisational dynamics. Her fascination led her to delve into the subtle nuances of psychological contradictions and trust, laying the foundations for ground-breaking research. 

One of Professor Li's notable projects, made possible through research funding at INSEAD, explored the connection between mental states and bodily expressions and the implications of their incongruence for  conspiratorial thinking. By investigating how individuals navigate such dissonance and reconcile internal contradictions, her research shed light on the formation of trust within organisational settings. This not only offers theoretical frameworks but practical solutions, paving the way for collaborative and effective workplaces.   

Professor Li's impact transcends academic boundaries. Collaborating across disciplines, she tackles real-world challenges—from the influence of organizational crisis or culture values on the development of trust, to the far-reaching organizational impact of employee authenticity, to the power of speech in entrepreneurial resource acquisition. Such research isn't merely an intellectual exercise; it's the cornerstone of progress, driving tangible change in business practices and societal norms. 

In the classroom, Professor Li's integration of innovative research doesn't just educate; it empowers. By immersing students in the latest findings, she equips them with the insights needed to lead amidst complexity. Collaborative ventures with Doctoral, EMBA, and MBA students amplify this impact, enriching both research endeavours and pedagogical practices. 

As Professor Li continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and scholarship, her commitment to excellence serves as a beacon of inspiration for the INSEAD community. It's a reminder that supporting research isn't just about advancing knowledge; it's about catalysing impact—transforming businesses, shaping leaders, and driving progress in the world.