Zhenyu Liao’s research primarily focuses on the areas of leadership, behavioral ethics and morality, organization philanthropy, and algorithmic labor. His work has been published in leading academic journals such as Academy of Management Journal and Journal of Applied Psychology.

He also writes articles for business or practice outlets such as Harvard Business Review. His research has been selected for the OB Best Paper Award at the 2015 Academy of Management (AOM) Conference and the MOC Best Paper Award Finalist at 2019 AOM conference.