Assignment

Assignment

Question 1: When negotiation break down, what are some tactics employed by unions to try to force a settlement? What tactics might a company use?

Most of us negotiate with one another frequently. Once we realize this, theoretically, we have two choices: accept the fact that negotiation is a way of life in our culture and improve our skills so that we can negotiate with confidence; or, do nothing about it. Some may argue that negotiation is an art, that it is intuitive; or, that we all know how to negotiate, learning basic skills on the playgrounds of life. Perhaps there are naturally gifted negotiators. But, as a lawyer and a mediator who has spent over 20 years litigating, negotiating settlements, negotiating transactions for clients, and negotiating personal transactions, I can attest to the fact that a lot of negotiators are not naturally gifted.

We can all improve our skills as negotiators. But, how? Conjure up two individuals: the "Master Negotiator" and the "Novice Negotiator". The Master Negotiator is not someone who works miracles, who can pull off remarkable "swindles" or hypnotize his or her opponents into barking like dogs and doing other things that they would not ordinarily do. The Master Negotiator is simply demonstratively better than the Novice Negotiator. The Master Negotiator's skills are obvious. While he may not walk on water, he will consistently get the best deal possible under the circumstances. On occasion, perhaps even frequently, he will get remarkably good results.

Question 2: From a Human Resources Management point of view, what demographic and other trends should be monitored closely by public employers? Why?

Every organisation aims to recruit the best individuals. In public organisations, high quality personnel are crucial in retaining effectiveness and quality, as well as the confidence of citizens. The public sector would be more attractive as an employer if it were considered to possess competent and effective staff. Some countries have problems in recruiting the highest calibre management or in providing the top civil service with the highest quality of professionalism.

The following issues were raised at the meeting:

• What are the most effective and successful ways to attract young graduates from universities? Recruitment procedures are being developed to attract young people today for the public service tomorrow. Recruitment through electronic communication (e-recruitment) is a new way to achieve this goal. Electronic pools are already now in use in some countries, e.g. Denmark and Portugal. The visibility of agencies should also be improved to make their activities known to students.

• How to develop systems to appoint the most qualified persons to managerial posts (as well as to other posts) in order to increase the professionalism in management and leadership.

• What are the strategies to appoint more female managers and how are they carried out in practice?

What is the impact of internationalisation and globalisation? As a result of increased movement between countries, the possibility to recruit immigrants is a current issue. In the European Union, for example, citizens have free access to work in all EU member ...