Final answer:
The authoritarian manager is characterized in Fiedler's contingency theory, which considers both the leader's style and the situation. This contrasts with democratic and laissez-faire leadership styles, and aligns with McGregor's Theory X management assumptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authoritarian manager is characterized in the Fiedler's contingency theory. This leadership theory takes into account the leader's natural leadership style and the situation's favorableness. An authoritarian leader is goal-oriented and focuses primarily on task completion.
They are known to issue orders and assign tasks without seeking input from group members, potentially risking the alienation of their workers. This stands in contrast with democratic leaders who seek consensus and contribute to group decision-making, as well as laissez-faire leaders who prefer a hands-off approach.
Fielder's contingency theory recognizes that effective leadership is dependent on both the characteristics of the leader and the situation. The authoritarian leadership style can be effective under certain circumstances that require quick decision-making or a high level of expertise.
Theory X managers, as described by Douglas McGregor, may also align closely with authoritarian leadership by exerting strong control over employees whom they assume are inherently unmotivated. The authoritarian style contrasts with Theory Y managers who assume employees are self-motivated and capable of creative problem-solving.