Associate Professor
Bilian (Belaine) Ni SULLIVAN
Associate Professor
mnbilian@ust.hk
CV
Bilian (Belaine) Ni SULLIVAN

Research Interests

  • Behavioral theory of the firm, organizational learning and adaptation
  • Social networks
  • Organizational theories
  • Firm innovation

Academic Qualifications

  • Ph.D. Stanford, Graduate School of Business
  • M.A. Stanford, Graduate School of Business
  • M.A. University of Illinois at Chicago, Sociology
  • M.A. Peking University, China, Sociology
  • B.A. Peking University, China, Sociology

Academic And Professional Experience

  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Co-Director, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Business (BIBU), since February 2023.

  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, School of Business and Management, Academic Director, Master of Science in International Management, August 2012-2017.

  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Management, Associate Professor, since July 2010; Assistant Professor, July 2003 - June 2010.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Teaching Assistant, August 1991-May 1994.

  • Information Resources Inc. (IRI),Chicago, IL, Research and Development Department, Project Manager, 1996-1997.

  • NCI Research Evanston, IL (an affiliation of Kellogg Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University), Research Associate and Research Project Manager, 1994 - 1996.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Nursing School, Statistical Consultant, 1995.

Publications

Refereed Journal Publications (Chronological, alphabetical)

  • Lu, H., Mao, K. & Sullivan, B.N. (equal contribution and authorship is alphabetically ordered). 2023(Forthcoming). The paradox of political legitimacy: The political inclusion and firm strategies of entrepreneurs. Journal of Asian Business & Management.

  • Sullivan, B.N., Mao, K. & Wang, H. 2023. Constrained by localized attention focus: The negative effect of firm-specific knowledge on exploratory firm innovation.  Management and Organization Review, 19: 1104-1126.

  • Li, P., Rhee, M. & Sullivan, B.N. (Alphabetically ordered). 2021. Remembering James March. Management and Organization Review, 17: 644-654.

  • Li, A. & Sullivan, B.N. (equal contribution and authorship is alphabetically ordered). 2020. Blind to the future: Exploring the contingent effect of managerial hubris on strategic foresight. Strategic Organization, 20: 565-599. [Article first published online: December 14, 2020].

  • Sullivan, B.N. 2019. Walking with a giant: In memory of my Enshi James G. March. Management and Organization Review,15: 891-894.

  • Sullivan, B.N. & Stewart, D. 2017. Do connections always help? Network brokerage’s negative impact on the emergence of status. Research in Sociology of Organizations, 50: 315-349. (Download here)

  • Sullivan, B.N., Tang, Y and Marquis, C. 2014. Persistently learning: How small-world network imprints affect subsequent firm learning. Strategic Organization, 12: 180-199. (Download here)

More publications

Selected Recent Conference Presentations

  • Sullivan, B.N. and Luo, J. 2024. The power of organizational mindfulness: Balancing exploitation and exploration in technological innovation. To be Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, 2024, Chicago.

  • Mao, K.X. & B.N. Sullivan. 2022. Winning a prestigious award and unethical behaviors of Chinese pharmaceutical firms.  Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, 2022, Seattle/online.

  • Gong, T., Sullivan, B.N & Tang, Y.J. 2021. Internal power dynamics: The role of government in the commercialization of firm innovation. Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, online.

  • Li, A. & Sullivan, B.N. 2020. Compassionate board of directors and power dynamics with the CEO. Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, Online.

  • Mao, K. & Sullivan, B.N. 2019. Firm-specific knowledge assets and different firm strategies toward external stakeholders. Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, Boston

  • Li, A. & Sullivan, B.N. 2019. For whom the bell tolls? The differential impact of corporate leaders’ death on firm long-term investment. Presented at the Academy of Management Meeting, Boston.

Review Activities

  • Co-Editor of Management and Organization Review Special Issue (2020): Research in Memory of James G. March

  • Senior Editor:

    • Management and Organization Review (2013 - 2017)

  • Member of Editorial Board:

    • Organization Science (2009 - 2016)

    • International Journal of Strategic Change Management (2008 - present)

  • Ad Hoc reviewers (partial listed):

    • Academy of Management Journal

    • Academy of Management Review

    • Administrative Science Quarterly

    • Organization Science

    • Strategic Management Journal

Funded Projects

  • Institute for Emerging Markets Grant, CI, 2016 – 2018, “Overcome the Legitimacy Effect: The Role of Agency in Firm Innovation in China”. HK$125,000

  • Hong Kong Competitive Earmarked RGC Grant, CI, 2013-2014. “Search for New Ideas under the Influence of Government Innovation Policies in Emerging Market: Evidence from Chinese Firms”. HK$350,000