Implications for Theory
A primary goal in this meta-analysis was to examine the
extent to which the framework of contextual moderators proposed
by RCT could be supplemented by additional theoretical
perspectives proposed in the literature on gender and leadership.
Overall, our findings indicate that certain aspects of RCT
may need to be further clarified and explored. For instance, the
RCT-based hypothesis regarding middle-level leadership positions
was supported, yet at the highest levels, the direction of
effects contradicted that proposed by RCT. The effect was small
and negative when we examined other-ratings, providing support
for the direction proposed by the double standards of
competence model (Foschi, 2000) that women may be perceived
to be slightly more effective than men at the highest
levels. If women in these positions are seen as being exceptionally
competent by having overcome significant obstacles in
order to reach these senior positions, there would be an increased
congruency between their gender role and leader roles..