In this assignment, put yourself in the shoes of Alice Jones, the executive facing possible severance in our case study.
Develop a ZOPA and BATNA position for Alice, based on your review of her biography and the background information in the case study (located in the Final Project Guidelines and Rubric document in the Assignment Guidelines and Rubrics section of the course). As you develop your response, consider the following:
If Alice were fired, what would be unacceptable options for her in a severance agreement?
What options could Alice offer that could move severance negotiations toward her goal of keeping her position at Netflix?
Then, determine Alice Jones' best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA), i.e., her "Plan B." It is important to do this before entering into negotiations to ensure that she does not agree to unfavorable conditions. Questions that can help formulate Alice Jones' BATNA include:
What do you believe are the interests of the other party, i.e., Sharon Slade and Netflix?
What actions and alternatives are you prepared to consider if you (Alice Jones) cannot reach a negotiated agreement within your Zone of Possible Agreement?
What creative alternatives can be considered based on the interests of the other party (Sharon Slade & Netflix)?
What trade-offs on the standard ZOPA exist that could result in a creative, successful agreement?
ZOPA and BATNA for Alice Jones in Severance Negotiations
Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA):
Unacceptable Options for Alice:
1. Complete Termination: Alice should consider it unacceptable to be completely terminated without any severance package or benefits, given her contributions and tenure at Netflix.
2. Non-Compete Clauses: Accepting severe non-compete clauses that restrict her future employment opportunities in the industry should be avoided.
Options to Move Negotiations Towards Keeping Position:
1. Reduced Role: Alice could propose taking on a different role within Netflix that aligns better with Sharon Slade's vision while allowing her to continue contributing to the company.
2. Performance Improvement Plan: Agreeing to a structured performance improvement plan that addresses any concerns raised by management could be a proactive step towards retaining her position.
Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA):
Interests of Sharon Slade and Netflix:
1. Maintaining Team Cohesion: Sharon and Netflix may value maintaining team cohesion and avoiding disruptions that could arise from Alice's potential termination.
2. Achieving Corporate Goals: They likely prioritize achieving corporate goals and ensuring the continued success of the organization.
Actions and Alternatives for Alice's BATNA:
1. Exploring External Opportunities: Alice could start exploring opportunities outside Netflix, considering positions in other companies within the industry or related fields.
2. Consulting or Contract Work: Engaging in consulting or contract work within the entertainment industry could be a viable alternative if a mutually beneficial agreement cannot be reached.
Creative Alternatives based on Interests:
1. Mentorship Role: Proposing a mentorship role where Alice can leverage her experience to support the development of junior staff members could showcase her commitment to the team's success.
2. Project Leadership: Offering to lead a strategic project that aligns with Netflix's objectives could demonstrate her value and potential for contributing to the organization.
Trade-Offs for a Successful Agreement:
1. Flexible Reporting Structure: Being open to adjusting reporting structures or team dynamics could address concerns raised by Sharon Slade while allowing Alice to maintain her position within the company.
2. Professional Development Plan: Agreeing to a professional development plan that focuses on enhancing specific skills or competencies desired by Netflix could showcase Alice's commitment to growth and improvement.
In conclusion,
by carefully considering her ZOPA and BATNA, Alice Jones can approach severance negotiations from a position of strength, aiming to secure an agreement that aligns with her career goals and interests while addressing the needs and priorities of Sharon Slade and Netflix. Open communication, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to explore alternative options can lead to a successful outcome that benefits all parties involved in the negotiation process.