one of the two main causes of prejudice preventing women from achievement of high-status positions or success is the perception of women when placed in leadership roles. in an article on prejudice towards female leaders, eagly and karau (2002) found that women who are leaders are perceived in a less positive manner when compared to male leaders. eagly and karau (2002) also showed that women have a more difficult time achieving high status positions in the workplace and in maintaining these positions through achievement and success. evidence suggests that prejudice towards women in leadership positions occurs more frequently in situations where larger inconsistencies between female gender roles and leadership roles are present.