Mi­chael Mueller

My research examines how migration and inequality shape the composition and behavior of corporate elites. I analyze the cultural backgrounds of founders and executives — including birthplace, nationality, and immigrant status — and show how these factors influence labor market dynamics and organizational outcomes such as inequality and misconduct.

More recently, I have turned to how political ties shape corporations. I focus on the revolving door between government and business, analyzing how the networks of revolvers influence governance, regulatory outcomes, and firms’ responses to external pressures such as hedge fund activism. Taken together, my work shows how elites use social and political resources to shape inequality and organizational outcomes.