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Dr. Eimear Nolan

Dr. Eimear Nolan

Associate Professor, Trinity Business School

3531896 8225http://www.tcd.ie/business/people/eimear-nolan.php

Biography

Eimear is an Associate Professor of International Business and Founder and Director of the Flexible Executive MBA at Trinity Business School since 2018. She holds a PhD in International Management from the University of Limerick and has completed advanced qualifications in teaching and online education, as well as an Executive Programme in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy at MIT.

She previously held academic appointments in the UK and the US and serves as Co-Country Investigator for Ireland and the UK in GLOBE Project 2020. Eimear hosts Culture Shocked with Dr. Eimear Nolan and co-hosts Meducation Unlocked for the Academy of Management. She also serves on the Editorial Review Board of Academy of Management Learning & Education.

Her research focuses on expatriate adjustment, cultural agility, IHRM, management education, AI, and healthcare. She has published in leading international journals, including Human Resource Management Journal, Academy of Management Learning & Education and Organization Studies, and her work has featured in media outlets such as The Irish Times, RTÉ Prime Time TV, and RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime. Her research also informs her public engagement, including her TEDx Talk: The Chilling Effect of Cultural Silence, in which she explores how growing anxiety around discussing cultural differences is leading us to avoid the very conversations we most need to have, and how this avoidance does not remove the impact of culture but instead limits our ability to recognise and understand its influence. She has also received numerous teaching excellence awards for both in-person and online delivery, as well as a research impact award from Trinity Business School.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Nolan & Morley, A test of the relationship between person-environment fit and cross-cultural adjustment among self-initiated expatriates, International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25, (11), 2014, p1631 - 1649Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • Rienties & Nolan, Understanding friendship and learning networks of international and host students using longitudinal Social Network Analysis, International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 41, 2014, p165 - 180Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • Rashid-Radha, Lockwood & Nolan, EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMER-TO-CUSTOMER INTERACTION ON SERVICE EXPERIENCES: A PILOT STUDY, Malaysian Management Journal , 19, 2015, p77 - 86Journal Article, 2015
  • Rashid, Lockwood & Nolan, The Impact of Guest's Culture on Service Experience Evaluation In The Context of Malaysian Backpacker Hostels, Journal of Education, Business and Hospitality Management, 2018Journal Article, 2018
  • Rashid-Radha, Jasmine & Lockwood, Andrew & Nolan-Davis, Eimear-Marie., The Influence of Guests' Social Interaction on the Hostel Experience: A Conceptual Framework, Sains Humanika, 8, (10), 2016, p73 - 76Journal Article, 2016
  • Nolan, 'Importance of making a good first impression at interviews', The Irish Times, 2019, -Broadcast, 2019, URL
  • Rashid Radha, Lockwood, van Achterbergh & Nolan, Using Critical Incident Technique (CIT) to Explore How Hostel Servicescape Design Influences Guest Interactions and Service Experience, CHME Annual Research Conference , University of Derby (Buxton) , 28-30 May 2014, 2014Poster, 2014
  • Nolan & Morley, Contractors On-call: Cross-cultural Adjustment, Person-Environment fit and Work Related Outcomes Among Internationally Trained Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Working in Ireland, EURAM , Lisbon, 26-28th June 2019, 2019Conference Paper, 2019
  • Nolan & Morley, Understanding the relationship between cross-cultural adjustment and person environment fit theory, ICBMG 2016: 5th International Conference on Business, Management and Governance , San Francisco, USA, Oct 23-25th, 2016, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
  • Nolan & Rientes , Longitudinal analysis of social friendship and learning networks of international students , 20 th International EDiNEB Conference, London, UK, 5-8th June 2013, 2013Conference Paper, 2013
  • Texting in, editor(s)Eamon Maher, Eugene O'Brien and Brian Lucey , Recalling the Celtic Tiger, Peter Lang Publishing, Peter Lang Publishing, 2019, [Eimear Nolan]Book Chapter, 2019
  • McKie, Heliot, Rientes, Nolan, 'Chinese students in UK 'report increased racism and discrimination'', Times Higher Education, 2020, -Broadcast, 2020, URL
  • Nolan, Brady, Heliot & Rienties, Once more on the rollercoaster: Loses and gains from the rapid shift to online delivery during Covid, Academy of Management Conference, Philadephia, August, 2021, pp1 - 6Conference Paper, 2021, DOI
  • Nolan, Heliot & Rienties, Encouraging intercultural interaction by cultural specific learning design, Journal of Studies in International Education, 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Xiaoning Liang, Guoxin Li, Hao Zhang, Eimear Nolan, Fadong Chen, Firm Performance and Marketing Analytics in the Chinese Context: A Contingency Model, Journal of Business Research, 141, 2022, p589 - 599Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Ciesli, Nolan, O'Hagan-Luff, & van Stel , Overconfidence among solo entrepreneurs: The role of national culture, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2023Journal Article, 2023, URL
  • Nolan, Liang, Brennan & Brady, The impact of cross culture management courses on students' cultural intelligence of students', Journal of International Business Education, 2022Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Nolan, Eimear & Liang, Xiaoning, Determinants of Cross-Cultural Adjustment among Self-Initiate Expatriate Medical Doctors Working in Ireland, Journal of Global Mobility, 10, (3), 2022, p289 - 311Journal Article, 2022, DOI , URL
  • Nolan, E., The cultural adjustment of self-initiated expatriate doctors working and living in a host culture, Cogent Business & Management, 2023Journal Article, 2023, URL
  • Nolan, Liang & Morley, Medicine without Borders? Person-Environment Fit, Work Adjustment and Work Related Outcomes among Self-Initiated Expatriate Doctors , EURAM 2022, 2022Conference Paper, 2022
  • Rashid-Radha, Lockwood & Nolan, The Influence of Guests Social Interaction on the Hostel Experience: A Conceptual Framework, Sains Humanika, 8, (4-2), 2016Journal Article, 2016
  • Congregado, Andres, Nolan & Roman, Heterogeneity among digital platform self-employed workers. Evidence from Europe. , International Review of Entrepreneurship , 20, (1), 2022, p45 - 68Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Ciesli; Nolan; O'Hagan-Luff, van Stel., Overconfidence among solo entrepreneurs: The role of national culture', Impact of culture on Entrepreneurial Dynamics, Avignon. France., 2020Conference Paper, 2020
  • Kidd & Nolan, Cultural Intelligence and Virtual Reality, Irish Academy of Management, Dublin, 2022Conference Paper, 2022
  • Nolan et al., GLOBE Project, AIB, Miami, 2022, 2022Conference Paper, 2022
  • Nolan et al., GLOBE 2020, Academy of Management (AOM) conference , Seattle, 2022Conference Paper, 2022, URL
  • Nolan, E., Rienties, B., Brady, M., & Heliot, Y., Adjustments to Pandemic Enforced Constraints: Insights from Postgraduate Students' and Educators' Transitions. International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions, , Transitions. International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions, 1, (1), 2022, p1 - 11Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Nolan, E., The JGM BitBlog: We rely on you but know little about you!, 2023, -Miscellaneous, 2023
  • Nolan, E., Rienties, B., Heilot, Y., Encouraging intercultural interaction by cultural specific learning design, EARLI 2023, Greece, Aug, 2023, 2023Meeting Abstract, 2023
  • J Cie"lik, E Nolan, M O'Hagan-Luff, A van Stel, Overconfidence among solo entrepreneurs: the role of national culture, the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • B.A. Atarah; V. Finotto; E. Nolan; A. van Stel, Entrepreneurship as Emancipation: A Process Framework for Female Entrepreneurs in Resource-constrained Environments, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 30, (4), 2023, p734 - 758Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • The U-Curve Theory in, editor(s)Audra Mockaitis and Lena Zander , Elgar Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural Management, Elgar, Elgar Publishing, 2024, [Nolan, E.]Book Chapter, 2024
  • Culture Shock in, editor(s)Audra Mockaitis and Lena Zander , Elgar Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural Management, Elgar, Elgar Publishing, 2024, [Nolan, E.]Book Chapter, 2024
  • Motivational CQ in, editor(s)Audra Mockaitis and Lena Zander , Elgar Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural Management, Elgar, Elgar Publishing, 2024, [Kidd, L. and Nolan, E.]Book Chapter, 2024
  • Cognitive CQ in, editor(s)Audra Mockaitis and Lena Zander , Elgar Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural Management, Elgar, Elgar Publishing, 2024, [Kidd, L and Nolan, E.]Book Chapter, 2024
  • MetaCognitive CQ in, Elgar Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural Management, Elgar, Elgar Publishing, 2024, [Kidd, L. and Nolan, E.]Book Chapter, 2024
  • Brady M., & Fellenz, M,, AI as a Disruptor in Management Education: Are Business Schools Ready for the Future?, July, 2025, Copenhagen Business School, Showcase Symposium presenters and authors: Martin Fellenz, Mairead Brady, Peter Bryant : Ulrich Hommel, Koen Vandenbempt : David Lefevre, Rosie Loyd : Dirk Lindebaum, Eimear Nolan, Stratos Ramoglou WINNER OF THE BEST MED SYMPOSIUM AWARD 2025Meetings /Conferences Organised, 2025
  • Lindebaum, D., Nolan, E., Can we eat real food with synthetic spoons? Thoughts on digitally mediated management learning and education., MED KEYNOTE PLENARY, AOM, Chicago, Aug, 2024, 2024, AOMInvited Talk, 2024
  • Nolan, E, Lindebaum, D., Ramoglou, S, Cronin, M., More than a 'tool': A systems-theory perspective on the transformative effects of Gen-AI on management knowledge, 41st EGOS Colloquium, Athens, Greece, 2025Conference Paper, 2025
  • Lindebaum, D; Nolan, E; Ashraff, M; Islam, G; Ramirez, M., The transformation of epistemic agency and governance in higher education through Large Language Models - toward a future of organized immaturity, Organization Studies, 2025, p1 - 25Journal Article, 2025, DOI
  • Nolan, E, Group and Teamwork, Academy of Management Learning & Education, 2026, p1 - 3Journal Article, 2026, DOI
  • Ashraf, M; Nolan,E; Ramirez, M; Islam, G, and Lindebaum, D., 'Who gets to decide what counts as knowledge? Big tech, AI, and the future of epistemic agency in higher education', SRHE Blog.com, SRHE Blog.com, 2025, -Broadcast, 2025, URL
  • Nolan, Eimear and Lindebaum, Dirk., 'We should be very worried about AI taking over the classroom', Irish Times, 2025, -Broadcast, 2025, URL
  • Nolan, E., The cultural adjustment of self-initiated expatriate doctors working and living in Ireland, Cogent Business & Management, 10, (1), 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • Eimear Nolan, Bart Rienties, Mairead Brady, YingFei Heliot, Adjustments to Pandemic Enforced Constraints: Insights from Postgraduate Students" and Educators" Transitions, International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions, 1, (1), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • Lindebaum, D; Nolan, E; Stuart, J., On the dangers of large-language model mediated learning for Human Capital, Human Resource Management Journal, 36, (3), 2026, p430-440Journal Article, 2026, DOI
  • Ramos-Poyatos, J., Barrientos-Marín, J., Millán, JM., Nolan, E., & van Stel,A., Explaining differences in entrepreneurs: ICT use frequency between urban and rural regions, Eurasian Bus Rev, 16, 2026, p425"462Journal Article, 2026, DOI
  • Cotton, R., Javidan. M., Egri, C., Dorfman, P., Bullough, A., Kar., A., Kumar M., Fitzsimmons., S., Lazarova., M., Dastmalchian., A., et al.. Nolan, E., The New GLOBE Integrative Model of Outstanding Leadership: A Springboard for Large Scale Comparative Research in 134 Societies, Journal of World Business, 2026Journal Article, 2026, DOI
  • Lindebaum, D., Nolan., E., Ramoglou, S., More Than a Tool?: A Systems-Theory Perspective on the Transformative Effects of Gen-AI, AOM Annual Meeting, Copenhagen, Denmark, 25-29 July, 2025, 2025Conference Paper, 2025
  • Nolan, 'Foreign doctors no longer want to work in Irish hospitals', Irish Times, 2018, -Broadcast, URL
  • Shamim Malekmian, 'Despite Ireland's Reliance on Non-EU Doctors, Some Face Difficulty Moving up the Medical Ladder', Dublin InQuirer, 2020, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, 'We must not let fear of Covid-19 turn us against our Asian community', The Irish Times, The Irish Times, 2020, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, 'Prime Time- Section on Migrant Doctors in Ireland ', RTE, 2021, -Broadcast
  • Nolan, 'Health Care shortages In Ireland ', Podcast, 2021, -Broadcast
  • Nolan, 'No Country for non-EU Doctors: Irish Medical Times', Irish Medical Times, Irish Medical Times, 2022, -Broadcast, URL
  • Shauna Bowers interview with Eimear Nolan , '10 things to consider about doing an MBA What you need to know about doing a business management degree', The Irish Times, Irish Times, 2022, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, E., 'Dr Eimear Nolan, Business School, discuss her research on intercultural supports for internationally trained doctors coming to live and work in Ireland.', RTE Drivetime Radio, 2023, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, E., '95% of internationally trained doctors do not receive intercultural supports, finds Ireland study', Medical Xpress, 2023, -Broadcast, URL
  • Shauna Bowers, '`You acquire leadership skills, you acquire knowledge. Studying for an MBA demands significant investment of time and money, but it can open up possibilities and opportunities', Irish Times, 2023, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, Eimear, 'Tedx Talk : The Chilling Effect of Cultural Silence', Tedx, 2026, -Broadcast, URL
  • Nolan, E. & Lindebaum, D., AI in Higher Education: Who Gets to Decide What Counts as Knowledge?, The AI Jounral, 2026Journal Article, URL

Research Expertise

My research asks: how do people and organisations work, learn, and lead effectively across cultural and technological change? This has shaped my work across international business, cross-cultural management, international human resource management, management education and, more recently, artificial intelligence and higher education. Across these areas, I examine how individuals and organisations navigate complexity, difference and change, and how research can contribute to better judgment, more inclusive practices and responsible organisational and educational outcomes. This aligns closely with Trinity's Thrive strategy through scholarship informed by diverse perspectives, grounded in critical inquiry, and connected to positive change in education, organisations and society.

A central strand of my research focuses on cross-cultural management, particularly how individuals and organisations recognise, interpret and respond to cultural difference. My work has examined cultural learning, cultural agility, global mobility, international human resource management and global virtual teams, focusing on the capabilities required to work effectively across national and cultural boundaries. My role as Co-Country Investigator for Ireland and the UK in the GLOBE Project further strengthens the international reach of this work, alongside over 400 researchers globally.

A second and growing strand focuses on management education, learning, knowledge and professional judgment. More recently, I have examined how generative AI is reshaping learning and knowledge production in higher education. My interest extends beyond questions of efficiency or adoption to fundamental questions about what students need to learn, how knowledge is developed, and what may be lost when elements of thinking and judgment are delegated to AI.

An important feature of this work is my use of conceptual and proposition-based scholarship to shape the direction of an emerging field. I ask questions that have not been adequately addressed. My work encourages deeper reflection on AI's growing presence in higher education, not only for students, but for our profession itself. As academics, our role is fundamentally to create, interrogate and advance knowledge, while developing students' capacity to think critically and exercise independent judgment. AI therefore raises important questions about what happens when knowledge production, thinking and judgment are increasingly delegated to technological systems.

My work also raises questions about the growing influence and commercial interests of Big Tech within universities. It challenges the assumption that technological adoption is inherently beneficial or inevitable and asks whose interests are being served, what values are embedded in these technologies, and how universities can retain academic autonomy and protect their educational purpose.

Across my research portfolio, a common thread is a willingness to question taken-for-granted assumptions. My research has appeared in highly regarded journals including Human Resource Management Journal, Academy of Management Learning & Education, Organization Studies and the Journal of World Business. I also contribute through editorial leadership as an Associate Editor and Editorial Review Board member. Beyond academia, my work has informed government policy, consultancy and executive education through Trinity Consult and has reached wider audiences through The Irish Times, AI Journal, Times Higher Education, RTÉ radio, Primetime TV, podcasting, and my recent TEDx talk titled The Chilling Effect of Cultural Silence.

  • Title
    Societal Cultures, Leadership and the Human Side of Organizations: A Multi-Country Study with a Focus on Women Leaders and HR Practices (GLOBE 2020)
    Summary
    The GLOBE 2020 project was a major international research programme examining societal culture, leadership and organisational practices across countries. Building on the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) research programme, the project examined changes in societal culture, leadership, trust and human resource practices across diverse national contexts. As Country Co-Investigator for Ireland and the UK, I contributed to the international research programme and country-level data collection and research activities.
    Funding Agency
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
    Date From
    15 March 2016
    Date To
    31 March 2021
  • Title
    Culture Learning aduit in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Ireland
    Summary
    Competitively awarded consultancy project to conduct an organisation-wide Learning & Development Culture Audit. The project examines employees" experiences and perceptions of learning and development, including access to learning opportunities, organisational and managerial support, barriers to participation, continuous learning and professional development. The work involves the design and administration of an organisation-wide survey, analysis and interpretation of findings, and development of evidence-based recommendations to inform the organisation"s future learning and development strategy and practice. The project was secured through a competitive tender process and is delivered through Trinity Consult.
    Funding Agency
    Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
    Date From
    June 2026
    Date To
    Dec 2026
  • Title
    Buffering the Suffering & Driving the Thriving in the New World of Work: A Study of How Societal Context Affects Capabilities, Jobs, Meaningfulness and Key Work-Life Outcomes around the Globe (GLOBE 2025)
    Summary
    GLOBE 2025 represents the fourth phase of the international GLOBE research programme. The project examines how societal context influences human, social and psychological capital, job design, meaningfulness, engagement, career success, stress, burnout, wellbeing, retention and thriving in the changing world of work. The programme involves an extensive international network of GLOBE researchers and seeks evidence from employees, managers and leaders across more than 130 countries. My involvement relates to the Ireland and UK component of this international research programme.
    Funding Agency
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
    Date From
    1 April 2022
    Date To
    2027

Health services and systems, Social and economic geography, Commercial services, Social sciences, Education, Psychology and cognitive sciences, Artificial intelligence and machine learning, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion,

Recognition

  • Trinity Business School Service Excellence Award 2021
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Flexible Executive MBA: Cross-Cultural Management 2026
  • GLOBE Certificate of Excellence in Cross-Cultural Research for Ireland 2021
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Flexible Executive MBA: Strategic Human Resource Management 2025
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Cross-Cultural Management MSc Module 2020
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Strategic Human Resource Management EMBA Module 2023
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for UG Inter-Cultural Management Module 2022
  • AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards: Flexible EMBA Shortlisted for Best Digital Transformation 2025 2025
  • Winner of the best MED symposium award, AOM: Brady M., & Fellenz, M,, AI as a Disruptor in Management Education: Are Business Schools Ready for the Future?, July, 2025, Copenhagen Business School, Showcase Symposium presenters and authors: Martin Fellenz, Mairead Brady, Peter Bryant : Ulrich Hommel, Koen Vandenbempt : David Lefevre, Rosie Loyd : Dirk Lindebaum, Eimear Nolan, Stratos Ramoglou 2025
  • Trinity Business School: Highly Commended Research Impact 2026
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Flexible Executive MBA: Cross-Cultural Management 2023
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for UG Inter-Cultural Management Module 2020
  • Outstanding Paper Emerald Literati Award: Entrepreneurship as emancipation: A process framework for female entrepreneurs in resource-constrained environments, in the journal Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 2024
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Flexible Executive MBA: Strategic Human Resource Management 2026
  • Outstanding Service to MED Award AOM 2024
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Flexible Executive MBA: Cross-Cultural Management 2025
  • GLOBE Protect 2020 Maverick CCI Award - selected in the top 10 of 476 researchers across the world 2022
  • AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards: Shortlisted for AMBA MBA Director of the Year Award 2026
  • Trinity Business School Teaching Award for Cross-Cultural Management MBA Module 2021
  • AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards: Flexible EMBA Shortlisted for Best Culture Diversity and Inclusion Award 2026
  • GLOBE Certificate of Excellence in Cross-Cultural Research for the United Kingdom 2021
  • Trinity Business School Research Impact Award 2025
  • GLOBE Project 2020- Invited to be a co-country investigator for Ireland and the UK. The GLOBE project has become a leader with award-winning books, more than 400 academic and practice-oriented journal articles, a massive database, and GLOBE has been adopted by university scholars, diplomats and consulting agencies around the world. to date
  • EURAM is a European based community of engaged management scholars. to date
  • EFMD -Founded in 1972, EFMD is a global, non-profit, membership-driven organisation dedicated to management development. It is recognised globally as an accreditation body for business schools, business school programmes, and corporate universities. to date
  • Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellowship status to date
  • CIPD- A professional body for experts in people at work that aim to set professional standards for HR and people development, as well as driving positive change in the world of work. With hubs in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Asia. to date
  • AOM- The Academy of Management (AOM) is a global community of management and organization scholars, students, and practitioners who are dedicated to creating and disseminating knowledge. We believe that improving organizations through better management practices will lead to a brighter future for society on a global scale. to date
  • Incoming MBAs portfolio Chief External Examiner at the University of Manchester 2027
  • As a direct result of Eimear's research on migrant doctors in Ireland, she was invited by the HSE and EY to sit on a panel aimed at recruitment reform of migrants doctors in Ireland. This instigated policy development and advice to governmental agencies around the issue of migrant doctors. Eimear subsequently developed at detailed questionnaire in May 2021 surrounding well-being of migrant doctors. 2019
  • Eimear was invited to Leinster House to speak with TD Michael Harty about her research on Migrant doctors and how to overcome the inequality in relation to access to training for these doctors. 2019
  • Editorial Board Member - Journal of Business and Economic Studies 2018- Present
  • Editorial Review Board Member - Academy of Management Learning and Education (ABS4* Journal). 2026 - Present