Negotiations - hypothetical analysis - Essay Example

? Order 538848 Topic: Negotiations - Hypothetical Analysis Roger Fisher (1991, p. xvii) makes profound observations about negotiations in his book,“Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.”He writes, “Negotiation is a basic means of getting what you want from others. It is back-and-forth communication designed to reach an agreement when you and the other side have some interests that are shared and others that are opposed.” Since there are two or more parties to a negotiation, the common belief is that one must win and the other has to lose. In this internet age, impacted by materialistic civilization, this approach will not hold good. The settlement arrived through good negotiations leads to a win-win situation, where all are winners. The author has articulated a simple and straightforward five-step system that covers the important aspect of negotiations and explains how to go about it in the practical world. The five concepts of negotiations chartered by Roger Fisher that I will put into practice to resolve the issue related to the three girl students (swimmers) are: 1. Don’t bargain over positions They call me "spineless" "heartless" "incompetent" and "lazy" in the third meeting. They also say "We've heard about you. We know that you got this job because two other school districts fired you for incompetence." I am not interested in contesting their claims. When an individual is angry, one says so many things which one actually doesn’t mean! By their verbal slangs, no damage is done to my approach and it is unlikely to change my working style. Try to understand the meanings of the words of their outburst. They have no connectivity. I will not argue with them on the issue for the present. Every argument has a counter argument, but that will not lead to solution. That two other school districts fired me for my incompetence is an incorrect statement. That they fired me is a fact; but that was due to differences as for my conciliatory approach to certain issues related to the students. That the management of the school where I am at present working is aware of the facts related to the cases, and yet they have appointed me as the Principal. They must be having their own reasons for having engaged me. My perspective of running the school administration meets with their approval. I do not believe in giving instant, harsh punishments to the students. I am supposed to look after an academic institution, not a military establishment, to take summary decisions. 2. Separate the people from the problem I would advise the parents of the bullied girl, to keep a low profile for the time being, in the overall interest of all concerned. This issue is going to be resolved, but not on their drastic terms. Expulsion is a serious step that leaves highly unpleasant consequences. It affects the future of the children, damages their psychology, and they may find it difficult to face the societal reactions. Expulsions are often challenged in the court of law, and an academic institution would like to avoid legal hassles, as far as possible. I love my student; she is like my daughter, as much as you love your daughter. Expulsion is the permanent black spot in the academic career of a student and it must be avoided at all costs. 3. Focus on interests, not positions My interest, as the Principal of the school, is to maintain the overall cordial atmosphere in the school, not the interest of just 2-3 students. I now propose to invite to the school the parents of the two students, who allegedly bullied the daughter of the parents who are the complainants. Bullying is a common trend amongst the students though, and in the present case jealousy, that the bullied girl is a superior swimmer is the root cause of the problem. I will also request the college swimming coach to counsel them individually and collectively, and if the feud is not ended immediately, their swimming career may be at stake and they will be removed from the college swimming team. So, along with the reputation of the college, their personal sports career interests are at stake. I will try to guide and encourage the students telling them, what a formidable swimming team they can make, if they develop the team spirit. 4. Invent options for mutual gain The option, according to me, is the negotiated settlement. I am also requesting some senior students to approach the contending girls, and counsel them, see reason, and stall damage to their careers. I will discuss with the Transport Manager of the school, whether any one party to the dispute, can be brought to the school through a different bus route, as a stop-gap arrangement, until the tempers cool down. I will request the parents of the bullied girl to step aside from their rigid stand and think of an alternative, other than their demand for expulsion. 5. Insist on using objective criteria The outbursts of the parents of the girl notwithstanding, I will tell them politely but firmly that expulsion of the two students is ruled out. Punishment, if any, needs to be in proportion to the magnitude of the crime. What I expect is their understanding and co-operation to amicably settle the issue. I would even suggest that the girl stand away from the swimming practice for about a week, to provide a cool-off period for the bullying girls. I will summon the girls to my chamber and will talk to their parents over the phone, in their presence. I will tell their parents that apart from this particular complaint, the girls are well-behaved and get good grades. If they are willing I will summon the bullied girl also to my chamber. I would like to keep the parental involvement out, as far as possible. Works Cited Fisher, Roger (Author), Ury, William L (Author), Patton, Bruce (Editor); Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In; Penguin (Non-Classics); 2nd Edition December 1, 1991. Read More