Well even in the cases of technically brilliant but socially awkward people it doesn't really make sense to place them high in the hierarchy. Unless they have no people directly under them, I suppose.
Even if they're only making technical decisions and not managing anyone directly, it still is going to result in employees being told to do what he commands.
You've either got power or don't, there's not much to being high-up if you're decisions don't carry much weight.
