Born Elite, Always Elite? How Board Chairs Gain Access to the Inner Circle of the Corporate Elite

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In this study we examine the effects of board chairs’ social class background on becoming a part of the inner circle of the corporate elite. We define the inner circle to consist of those directors best connected among the upper echelons by holding multiple board seats. In line with sociological research we argue that individuals with an upper class upbringing are more likely to be part of the inner circle of the corporate elite. Through an upper class upbringing directors learn the implicit social codes dominating behavior in the inner circle of the corporate elite and are therefore able to swiftly interact within this sublime circle. We further argue that disadvantages arising from not being socialized with such elite social codes can partly be compensated by offering superior qualification, i.e. a high level of human capital. Understanding the interacting dynamics of social class background and human capital might be a step towards opening the corporate elite to more diverse backgrounds.