Michael A. Johnson

Michael A. Johnson is an Associate Professor and Ourso Professor in Management at Louisiana State University's E.J. Ourso College of Business, where he researches workplace inclusion, marginalized identities, and business ethics. His work examines how obesity, social class, gender, and criminal histories impact career trajectories and organizational dynamics.

Education

• PhD Management, University of Central Florida, 2017
• MBA Management, Rider University, 2012
• BBA Music Business, Belmont University, 2007

Dr. Johnson's research bridges organizational behavior and social psychology to address systemic workplace inequities. His seminal work on obesity stigma reveals how body fat impacts long-term career success through mediating mechanisms like hiring discrimination and self-objectification. Recent studies explore virtual leadership disparities rooted in socioeconomic environments and gender bias in entrepreneurial funding. This research program uniquely integrates marginalized identity frameworks with business ethics to develop actionable inclusion strategies.

Scientific Recognition

• Olinde Professorship in Management
• Outstanding Untenured Professor Teaching Award
• Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Students

Dr. Johnson serves on editorial boards of Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology, guiding field-wide scholarship. His research program, supported by competitive grants, produces high-impact publications while mentoring the next generation of organizational scholars. Students benefit from his interdisciplinary approach that connects theoretical rigor to real-world business challenges through collaborations spanning North America and Europe.

Though not leading a named laboratory, Dr. Johnson cultivates a dynamic research ecosystem through international partnerships and editorial leadership. His work on virtual teams and remote work equity has gained particular relevance in post-pandemic organizational landscapes.