Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Negotiation between the Bunyon Construction Company and the residents of the Chestnut Drive, seving
as access road to the construction site.
Before entering the negotiations with the residents of chestnut drive, we had to agree on a strategy and
an agenda. Speaking as one when in front of the residents would be crucial. Each of us had different core
interests.
Our BATNA is actually quite simply to do nothing, However we need to avoid any damage of our
reputation! So our strategy is first to listen to their complaints. Then start negotiating on the different
points. Making sure not only to make concessions but also to get something in return, like cooperation
and good press. Underline the positive sides for them: more families will move here, the faster we can
work the faster the noise will have an end and their homes gain value.
DURING NEGOTIATION
We entered the negotiations and we were surprised by the relaxed atmosphere. Marina, the shopkeeper,
was leading the negotiation during the whole time. She did a very good job. I think however, we should
have leaded the negotiation a bit more. We discussed on different points:
Security: The residents told that their kids fell into wholes and one child was almost run over by a
passing truck. We agreed to put up the fences as soon as possible and to install speed bumps. This is a
measure which is bearable for us as far as costs are concerned. We wanted to avoid the topic of the
potential creation of a new access road so we agreed on speed bumps. However, we deny to install night
lights as first, kids should not be playing on the street at night and second, the fences will not allow for
anyone to enter the construction site. I also agree to talk to the site supervisor to let him know about the
incident with the kid so that he could talk with his truck drivers to pay attention given that in this residential
area there are kids around going to school. The child needs therapy after the shock and we agree to look
into a possible coverage of the fees with our insurance.
Recreational facilites: The residents demand to have access to the recreational facilities that will
are constructed with the new residence. Our Marketing & Development Manager just very hesitantly
agreed for access every Saturday for a lower fee arguing that the facilites are actually exclusive for the
inhabitants of the new residence. We felt the residents of Chestnut Drive had asked quite a lot so what
we asked in return was some good press and cooperation by emphasizing the fact that delays would only
result in a longer construction phase.
Dirty street: The residents were complaining about the dirty (dust, dirt and litter) streets. And
asked about a cleaning service in order to keep the street tidy. We argued that dirt comes along with
every construction site. We agreed to protect the trucks in order to reduce dust. As we cannot guarantee
for a regular cleaning service we agree to let the streets being cleaned once. They further complained
about the workers peeing on the street. I do actually not want to intervene in the leading of the workers.
This however is an unacceptable behavior and I will talk to the site supervisor about it.
They had another complaint about workers, apparently they had whistled at one of the resident’s
girl, aged 14. That is not acceptable either, and I assure them to bring the topic up when visiting the
construction site the next time.
Noise: Moreover the construction works as well as the trucks coming and going is noisy. We
insisted on the fact that a construction site always comes along with noise. Apparently windows have
broken because of the vibration of the works. We agree to send someone over to check and then to look
into it with our insurance.
The residents tried to make us sign a contract with a penalty clause in case we do not fulfill the above
mentioned points. We however refused to do so, as all of the above measures and gestures are done out
of goodwill and our interest in keeping good relations with the residents.
Both parties left the negotiation table being content about the outcome. The negotiations were not at all
hostile and both parties seemed willing to cooperate and to accept compromises. It’s true that we have
made many concessions. When writing the blog now I actually only realize how many they were. On the
other hand I think it was wise to do so. Even if the residents of Chestnut Drive could not have stopped the
construction of the new Residence they could easily delay the construction or make it more expensive.
Both of which we want to absolutely avoid, after the shopping center disaster.