While some people may dispel the notion that one's social status could play into their professional lives, a new study suggests that those who are viewed as social misfits have a harder time leading a team, as many individuals do not take them seriously.

According to findings published in the Journal of Public Economic Theory, researchers found that those who are viewed as lower level in a social sense are not able to be as effective at leadership as managers who are highly regarded.

Companies may take note that just because a person is named a leader does not mean that he will be able to effectively do his job.

"In a team, naming someone a leader is not sufficient to create effective leadership," said Rick Wilson, co-author of the study and professor of political science and statistics and psychology at Rice. "The status of the leader - the way in which the leader is chosen - determines the extent to which the rest of the subjects will follow."

This study could be of note to hiring managers who are looking for someone to fill an executive role.