In this discussion you are an entrepreneur who will be Answer each of the following questions using the information in your textbook. Make sure you are thinking like a business owner Question 1. What is your business idea? (Please provide the name and the product you will sell or the service you will offer) Decide on a conflict that is realistic and applies to your business type, then complete the following: Questions 2 - 5. Using the four (4) steps in the integrative negotiation process, explain how you will work through the problem/conflict using EACH step. SAMPLE - Discussion 1 Integrative Negotiation Process Chapter 3 1. My business idea is a cat caf, called 'Cuppa with a Cat'. It will provide coffees, teas, drinks, and snacks while in the company of friendly cats. 2. One of the staff members, who has only worked for the business for a couple weeks, is asking for a raise. She says that the amount of work she has to do does not accurately reflect her salary, despite all the employees doing the same work for the same pay. (Identify and define the problem) 3. The biggest concern is maintaining equality amongst all employees. I understand that she would like to be paid more but she agreed on the salary when hired. As a small business, we have limited funds and have budgeted for her current salary rate. I asked her why she wants a higher rate and she told me that the lease on her apartment ends soon and rent prices in her neighborhood have gone up. (Surface interests and needs) 4. I offered her a couple solutions. The best one, in my opinion, is to provide her with more hours to work. That way, it is a win-win situation, she gets paid more and I have her work more. Another option would be for her to enroll in a cat behavior certification class. In doing so, and learning more in depth about cat behavior, she would make herself more valuable to the business and in turn, earn her salary raise. This would make it easier for me to convince my business partner to alter the budget slightly to allow for the raise. Another option I provided her with was that I could promote her to an assistant manager, where she would be responsible for feeding the cats on Sunday mornings when we're closed, and she would also have to assist with taking the cats home if they are sick. (Generate alternative solutions) 4. I offered her a couple solutions. The best one, in my opinion, is to provide her with more hours to work. That way, it is a win-win situation, she gets paid more and I have her work more. Another option would be for her to enroll in a cat behavior certification class. In doing so, and learning more in depth about cat behavior, she would make herself more valuable to the business and in turn, earn her salary raise. This would make it easier for me to convince my business partner to alter the budget slightly to allow for the raise. Another option I provided her with was that I could promote her to an assistant manager, where she would be responsible for feeding the cats on Sunday mornings when we're closed, and she would also have to assist with taking the cats home if they are sick. (Generate alternative solutions) 5. The first option of giving her more hours will work for me, however, she made me aware that she will be unable to do this due to her schooling. The third option would not work as her apartment has a no pet policy. Therefore, she would be unable to foster the sick cats while they get better. We came to an agreement that the best option for her would be to enroll in the cat behavior certification course. The reason for this is that she would still work the same hours, which means I can be fair with the distribution of shifts with the other employees. Not only does it help her with the increase in pay, but I get a more valuable member of staff to interact with the cats and customers and teach the other employees. We came to the agreement that she will pay for the certification course and then, upon completion, the business will reimburse her. (Evaluate and select alternatives)
