Top 10 - China Business Knowledge

China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2025

jingyipan@cuhk.edu.hk — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:00:02 +0000

2025 marked a year of transformative changes and resilience across industries. The advancement of humanoid robots, intelligent tools, and ever-evolving financial complexities is redefining the workforce and reshaping the business landscape. Sustainability also took centre stage, with leaders focusing on responsible growth and human-centric strategies.

What topics have been of concern in the past year? How can business leaders and entrepreneurs thrive during this period? Our top 10 most-read articles of the year offer fresh ideas and valuable insights—from smarter ways to leverage technology to simple habits that make a difference.

By China Business Knowledge @ CUHK

#1 How assistive robots can boost an inclusive workforce

Professor Choi Sungwoo, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Technology can empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. While its impact on consumer perception varies, a new study suggests that personal interaction is key to success.

#2 The science of creativity, genetics and careers

Professor Li Wendong, Department of Management

Is creativity a blessing for individual well-being and career success? Researchers find that creativity can yield diverse and sometimes conflicting effects on one’s career paths and overall life satisfaction.

#3 The green illusion: why eco-conscious people still waste food?

Professor Elisa Chan, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Food waste is a major contributor to global warming, yet many people—including those who consider themselves environmentally conscious—remain unaware of its serious impact.

#4 Enhancing consumer trust in sponsored ads

Professor Wang Weiquan, Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology

Misleading ads are fuelling scepticism toward sponsored products and sellers, prompting researchers to examine factors that shape user trust and identify effective strategies to strengthen user confidence.

#5 Two cents mean a milestone for startups

Professor Willow Wu, Department of Management

While it is commonly believed that entrepreneurs should follow the advice of investors, the reality is far more nuanced. New research suggests seizing all possible opportunities to learn.

#6 Stay niche for better branding

Professor Tony Ke, Department of Marketing

How a brand positions itself can make all the difference. While chasing market trends seems tempting, niche brand positioning can be more profitable in the long run by building consumer trust.

#7 The matchmaking secrets for high-performing teams

Professor Mandy Hu, Department of Marketing

Teamwork plays an important role in a fast-paced work environment. Researchers discover a method to enhance firms’ productivity by redesigning teams without incurring additional hiring costs.

#8 How mental shortcuts guide loan success and repayment

Professor Michael Zhang, Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology

People sometimes rely on quick thinking when making decisions, but this comfort can be a disaster when it comes to personal finance. Recent research offers insights into choosing the right shortcut.

#9 Do stock buybacks stifle innovation?

Professor Kevin Tseng, School of Accountancy

Companies are buying back more of their own shares, often to meet earnings targets. While some fear this hurts innovation, a new study finds the pressure can make firms put their priorities straight.

#10 The risks and rewards of Chinese shadow banking

Professor Su Yang, Department of Finance

Chinese banks operate shadow banking as a high-yield wealth management product. Researchers investigate how the competition fuels these products and highlight the need for clearer disclosure.

The post China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2025 first appeared on China Business Knowledge.

China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2024

jingyipan@cuhk.edu.hk — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:00:04 +0000

The global economic growth remains steady yet underwhelming in 2024. Despite this stability, downside risks loom large, stemming from escalated geopolitical tensions and frequent climate-related disasters. Nevertheless, many Asian economies are expected to grow considerably through investments in innovation and digital transformation.

As businesses stand cautiously optimistic, what strategies can they employ to navigate challenges and explore opportunities? On the other hand, how can individuals enhance their performances in the workplace? Valuable insights and innovative solutions can be gleaned from our cutting-edge research featured in this year’s top 10 articles.

By China Business Knowledge @ CUHK

#1 What should multinationals do to win the digital race?

Professor Li Jingyu, Department of Management

Multinational enterprises’ investments in digital platforms impact their global sales in the fast-paced tech era, yet these platforms are complex and costly. New research offers strategies for companies to optimise their efficiency in boosting international sales.

#2 How lack of clarity fuels team innovation

Dr John Lai, Department of Management

In today’s competitive business environment, innovation is an often-heard mantra that eclipses all else. How can companies innovate? New research suggests clear goals can harm, and the answer lies in giving employees the freedom to make decisions.

#3 The perks of having second thoughts

Professor Andrew Meyer, Department of Marketing

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you made a decision that later turned out to be wrong, but you felt stuck and couldn’t change your mind? Well, you’re not alone. A new study delves into the reasons why blindly trusting your gut is not the best approach.

#4 Can passion at work last?

Professor Li Wendong, Department of Management

As literary giant Victor Hugo once lamented, “passion does not endure” in a love letter, the same caveat can be applied in the context of work. However, a recent study suggests that work passion can be cultivated and sustained over time.

#5 Different shades of green of hotel guests

Professor Lisa Wan, Professor Elisa Chan, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

In the hospitality industry, sustainability not only translates to impacts but also profit. While green hotels are on the rise, many are still in the dark about finding a way to promote them effectively. Matching the correct environmental cues with the right guests may answer.

#6 Cultural diversity matters for corporate disclosure

Professor Kevin Tseng, School of Accountancy

Publishing revenue is a must for listed companies to inform the public and external investors. A new study found that the way of presenting information in the earnings report can affect stock markets and delved into how cultural diversity influences investors’ perceptions.

#7 When following the crowd weakens crowdfunding

Professor Xiao Yizhou, Department of Finance

Crowdfunding has emerged as an alternative to traditional financing for its edge to raise funds from a large pool of individuals. However, simply conforming with the crowds or following others could undermine its success, but establishing a certain threshold can counteract this effect.

#8 The story of failed hedging in the nickel crisis

Dr Anson Au Yeung, Department of Finance

The global appeal of adopting electric vehicles to save the environment and achieve net-zero has led to a high demand for nickel. A failure to recognise a thin line between hedging and speculation contributed to the nickel crisis involving the London bourse and a major metal producer.

#9 Understanding fundamental recruitment error in talent acquisition

Professor Dai Xianchi, Department of Marketing

Getting the right match between job candidates and recruiters is the most essential goal in an efficient job market. But do job candidates and recruiters see eye to eye? Researchers find that both parties have different views when it comes to talent and hard work.

#10 Love is in the air, so are your credit cards

Professor Lisa Wan, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

How many of you have ever made spontaneous purchases due to the vibes without carefully considering the necessity? New research suggests that a romantic theme, especially presented in blue, plays a critical role in stimulating tourists’ impulsive buying behaviour.

The post China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2024 first appeared on China Business Knowledge.

China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2023

Putro — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 02:00:13 +0000

The business landscape has undergone a transformative shift in 2023. Life has returned to normal but the lasting effects of the pandemic on global supply chains and consumer behaviour cannot be ignored, making sustainable investing and green consumerism gain importance.

To light up the way ahead for business leaders and entrepreneurs, we have compiled this year’s 10 most popular articles, showcasing our cutting-edge research and expert insights.

By China Business Knowledge @ CUHK

#1 Managing Supply Chains in the Post-pandemic New Normal

Prof. Wu Jing, Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology

The global economy has faced a series of extreme shocks in recent years. As a result, a restructuring of global supply chains has been taking place. How should firms adapt to maximise returns, minimise risk and improve resilience? This white paper provides insights to guide businesses through the intricacies that have characterised global markets today.

#2 Retail Marketing in the Digital Era

Prof. Shen Hao, Department of Marketing

The arrival of the digital age and the global pandemic have done much to change consumer behaviour. As the world is increasingly driven by technology, brands need to adjust their strategies to take advantage of changing habits to thrive. To succeed, companies and marketing professionals need to take various measures.

#3 A Handbook for the Modern Entrepreneur

Prof. Kevin Au, Prof. Hong Ying-yi, Prof. Williow Wu, Department of Management

Being an entrepreneur is a fantastic yet challenging choice, especially during a time of great uncertainty with new inventions and drastic societal transformations that change the way of doing business. This white paper looks into how can entrepreneurs keep their start-ups afloat and what companies need to do during the shifting landscape.

#4 How Investors Rewarded Diversification during the Pandemic

Prof. Desmond Tsang, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Given the massive economic impact of the global health crisis, much effort has been focused on whether and how some companies were better able to weather the uncertainty, while others fell by the wayside. The study finds that companies with more geographically diverse operations outperformed during the peak of the outbreak.

#5 How Does Air Pollution Affect Online Consumption?

Prof. Yang Yang, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Air pollution not only poses threats to the public threats but also has implications for the economy. How does air pollution affect online consumption? Will the effects persist over time? A new research quantifies the causal link between air pollution and online consumption, as well as identifies the underlying mechanisms.

#6 Unlocking the Secrets of the U.S. Interest Rate: How to Forecast Like a Pro

Dr. Andrew Yuen, Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology

Being the world’s largest economy with the most commonly held reserve currency, interest rate fluctuations in the U.S. have immediate effects on the global markets. Staying ahead of the game by predicting the moves of its central bank is crucial to gaining valuable insights for wise investment choices.

#7 The Unstoppable Rise of Sustainable Investing

Prof. Darwin Choi, Prof. Gao Zhenyu, Prof. Jiang Wenxi, Prof. Jo Chanik, Department of Finance

Embracing the challenge of climate change demands a bold commitment from both businesses and governments. As the urgency of climate change grows, we delve into the minds of institutional and retail investors, exploring how they perceive the risks and opportunities linked to climate change, and how they plan to respond.

#8 The Secrets to Being a Successful Intrapreneur

Dr. Joyce Iun, Department of Management

While creating a successful business venture may bring fame and fortune, not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t be an intrapreneur who develops new and innovative ideas within a company. Having an entrepreneurial spirit can help people from all walks of life achieve self-improvement.

#9 When Diversity Becomes a Problem in Start-ups

Prof. Dora Lau, Department of Management

In the modern business landscape, diversity is hailed almost as a universal good, so much so that organisations of almost every stripe and colour tout their diversity credentials. However, a recent study finds that when faultlines form among a team of diverse entrepreneurs, it can significantly hurt performance.

#10 Putting Healthy, Low-emission Food on the Menu

Prof. Francisco Cisternas, Department of Marketing

A new study finds that “green consumerism” is alive and well in China, with consumers willing to pay more for sustainable food. These consumers are highly concerned about the impact of their food consumption on the environment, rather than simply considering personal benefits such as food safety.

The post China Business Knowledge @ CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2023 first appeared on China Business Knowledge.

China Business Knowledge@CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2022

cyris@uniquekey.com.hk — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 02:00:22 +0000

From surging inflation to the conflict in Ukraine, for many people doing business in 2022 was probably fraught with a high degree of uncertainty. To illuminate the way ahead, here are this year’s 10 most popular articles, featuring our cutting edge research and expert insights

By China Business Knowledge@CUHK

#1 The Power of Memory in Stimulating Purchases

Prof. Dai Xianchi, Department of Marketing

What we remember in the past can determine what we try or buy in the future. In this vein, study sheds new insight that inducing people to recall past experiences in a shorter time frame would make them to think that these past experiences took place in a more distant past, which may in turn spark their desire to do the same activities again.

#2 Escaping from the Dilemma of Corporate Bribery

Prof. Zhang Wenrui, Department of Finance

Corruption is a global problem, but what should companies do when they don’t want to collude? Study finds that vulnerable companies may employ more conservative accounting strategies to protect themselves when faced with demands for questionable or even illegal payments.

#3 Violent Video Games and Crime

Prof. Han Stice, School of Accountancy

Given the immense popularity of video games and the fact that many of the most popular titles released today portray gratuitous violence in a not-so-healthy light, they have long been blamed for increases in violence and crime. This research study seeks to add its voice to the ongoing debate into the potential relation between violent video games and crime. It finds that crime (particularly for young people) increases following the release of violent video games (with a rating of M).

#4 How to Nurture Creative Performance in the Workplace

Prof. Dora Lau Chi-sun, Department of Management

For businesses, the search for such out-of-the-box initiatives often hinges on creative staff who are able to come up with the innovative ideas that make the difference. This study tries to answer a critical question largely overlooked before: what role do colleagues, who can view and comment on another’s work, play in the relationship between employee creative role identity and creative performance?

#5 How Marketers Can Leverage on the Power of Comparison

Prof. Hao Shen, Department of Marketing

Consumers are highly social animals and what they purchase can often be influenced by their social needs. For companies, social comparison can be highly useful in stimulating consumption. Using data form China, study finds whether consumers choose to purchase products that make them appear to be more confident or friendly depends on how they compare themselves with others.

#6 Does Guanxi Among Auditors Defeat the Purpose of Auditor Rotation?

Prof. Wu Donghui, School of Accountancy

A group of researchers chose to look into the intricate patterns of auditor rotation practice in China to see whether there were any close network connections between the outgoing and incoming auditors, and what kind of impacts those connections might have on audit quality and auditor performance.

#7 Do Borrowers Benefit from Using Lucky Numbers?

Prof. Maggie Hu, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

In psychology, lucky numbers are a form of mental heuristic, which are shortcuts or rules of thumb that help people solve problems and learn new concepts quickly and efficiently. Study looks at the use of two popular heuristics that were commonly used on a leading Chinese peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform, and finds the choice of their use can lead to tangible differences in the loan application outcome, such as whether a loan is likely to get funded or their likelihood of default.

#8 Global Economic Growth: Inflation or Double Dip Recession?

Prof. Paul Kitney, Department of Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics

This rise in inflation has been mirrored in many of the largest economies in the world, fueled by stimulus and pandemic disruptions, although it has generally remained low in Asia.
Is inflation here to stay or is it transitory? And how can economies around the world fight it without risking a double-dip recession?

#9 Can Robots Be Used to Obtain Honest Customer Feedback?

Prof. Lisa Wan and Prof. Choi Sungwoo, School of Hotel and Tourism Management

How can hospitality firms obtain more customer feedback at the moment of truth that leads to service improvement? To address this question, researchers suggest a novel feedback collection method: service robots.

#10 Is There a Brain Drain in Public Accounting in China?

Prof. Zhuang Zili, School of Accountancy

The public accounting sector is notorious worldwide for its high turnover. This was the basis for a study, which looked at the “brain drain” situation in the auditing industry, specifically in China. It found that (rather counter-intuitively) the departure of auditors from public accounting may actually be improving the overall competency of audits.

The post China Business Knowledge@CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2022 first appeared on China Business Knowledge.

China Business Knowledge@CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2021

Putro — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 03:35:10 +0000

From global supply chain shortages to inflation fears and rising concerns over climate change, for many people doing business in 2021 was probably fraught with a high degree of uncertainty. To illuminate the way ahead, here are this year’s 10 most popular articles, featuring our cutting edge research and expert insights

By China Business Knowledge@CUHK

#1 Is Uber Bad for the Environment?

Prof. Jenny Jin Qianran, Department of Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics

Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Lyft and — in China — DiDi, have made getting around in urban cities more convenient, but there is ongoing debate whether they are good for the environment. Do they really encourage (as they claim) people to ditch their private cars, reduce traffic and lower carbon emissions? Research finds their carbon footprints depend on the characteristics of individual cities.

#2 Managing CSR in the Global Context

Prof. Shige Makino, Department of Management

How can companies with far-flung operations manage a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to make a meaningful difference, while balancing the views and concerns of diverse stakeholders, and staying within budget? New research shows CSR activities by a corporate parent can help subsidiaries build trust in foreign markets.

#3 Taking a Deeper Look at China’s Loan Guarantee in SME Lending

Prof. Fong Wai-ming, Prof. Liu Ming, Department of Finance

Despite its vital status in the economy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in China have always found financing a difficult proposition at best. A new research study looks at the role of Chinese credit guarantors in the country’s lending environment and how they manage risks in sponsoring loans for SMEs.

#4 The Future of U.S.-China Economic Ties in the Biden Era

Dr. Andrew Yuen Chi-lok, Department of Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics; Mr. Edward Tse, Department of Marketing

A year ago, with Joe Biden set to take the helm as commander-in-chief of the world’s biggest economy, two CUHK experts examine the mounting stakes between the two nations and the future of the most important bilateral trading relationship on the planet.

#5 How Does Experience Matter for Entrepreneurs?

Prof. Hong Ying-yi, Department of Management

Is experience important in entrepreneurial success? A cursory examination of the some of the world’s most high profile businesspeople, from Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to Mark Zuckerberg, seems to suggest to the contrary. CUHK research takes an in-depth look at the issue and finds that experienced entrepreneurs are actually better able to balance their creative and business roles and ‘get’ the big picture.

#6 Improving Sales Through Better Store Shelf Design

Prof. Francisco Cisternas, Department of Marketing

Shelf design – choosing where goods are placed on store shelves relative to each other – is a subject that retailers obsess over in their relentless drive to maximise profit. But is it a really a zero-sum game where improved sales from the prominent placement of a product comes at the expense of others, or are there synergies that can be harnessed? Research study reveals that competition between some products next to each other on shelves can increase product demand.

#7 Can Being Promoted to Leadership Change Who You Are?

Prof. Li Wendong, Department of Management

Does taking on a leadership role at work fundamentally change people’s personality traits, and if it does, should they go for it? New research looks at the pros and cons of moving up the career ladder and finds people adapt and grow more conscientious when promoted to supervisory roles at work.

#8 Hong Kong Property Prices: Is There a 2047 Discount?

Prof. Maggie Hu, School of Hotel and Tourism Management & Department of Finance

Much ink has been spilled over the political and social ramifications of coming end of the “one country, two systems” governance arrangement in 2047, but new research looks at how this approaching close of another era in Hong Kong’s history has affected property prices in a city that has had the dubious honor of being named the world’s most expensive real estate market.

#9 Job Crafting: How Much is Too Much?

Prof. Dora Lau, Department of Management

By allowing employees control over their work, job crafting has been generally hailed as a way to foster engagement and job satisfaction. However, latest CUHK study looking at Chinese data finds giving employees too much latitude in their roles may cause them to excessively divert time and energy away from their routine creative activities.

#10 Financial Analyst Forecasts: Does the Media Matter?

Prof. Cao Ying, School of Accountancy

How can analysts improve the quality of their forecasts? A new study reveals that the news media play an important role. It finds that financial analysts in countries with h2er media competition tend to form more accurate, less biased and less dispersed forecasts.

The post China Business Knowledge@CUHK’s Top 10 Articles in 2021 first appeared on China Business Knowledge.