Dr. Yi Zhao

Biography

Yi Zhao is a Lecturer at the Business School, Centre for Social Impact, at UNSW Sydney. He previously served as the Associate Director of Research at the Civic Life Cities Lab within Stanford University's Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, where he led data integration projects examining the dynamics and vitality of global social sectors. His research draws on organizational sociological theories to explore business activities and organizational innovations aimed at addressing societal challenges and creating solutions for positive social change. Positioned at the intersection of business and society, his primary areas of interest include impact investing, entrepreneurship, nonprofits, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility. Yi is experienced in quantitative research design and methodology, holding a Stanford Data Science Proficiency Certificate. His research has been published in notable journals such as Business Strategy and the Environment, Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, and Global Perspectives. His work has garnered prestigious awards, including the 2023 Summer Institute Organizational Effectiveness Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and the 2022 Dissertation Award from the Academy of Management's Public and Nonprofit Division.

Research Interests

Awards