The precariousness of the glass cliff: How gender stereotypes affect leader evaluations

Abstract

Two studies examined evaluations of female and male leaders across two crisis-situations (with or without social resources). In the situation without social resources, a female leader was evaluated more positively because of her ability to establish acceptance (Study 1). This effect is driven by the stereotypical belief that female leaders possess communal traits (Study 2). Where social resources are available, people reverted to a think manager - think male association, evaluating a male leader more positively.