Explore Negotiation Techniques through Practical Examples with Case Study Analysis
The Teaching Negotiation Resource Center (TNRC) provides a wealth of resources for those seeking to enhance their negotiation skills and knowledge. These resources are designed for educational purposes and are used in college classroom settings, corporate training sessions, by mediators and facilitators, and by individuals seeking to improve their negotiation abilities.
The Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo Case Study
One of the most intriguing case studies offered by TNRC is the Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo. This case study provides a detailed look into the challenges of international negotiation, focusing on a zoo director seeking giant pandas from China. The director faced numerous obstacles, including low bargaining power, competition from other zoos, and various stakeholders with opposing views.
The case study draws upon a range of published and unpublished sources and interviews with primary players to offer a true inside look into this complex international negotiation. Key lessons learned from this case study centre on the complexities of international diplomacy, conservation priorities, and the high costs associated with panda loans.
Panda Diplomacy as a Strategic Tool
Panda diplomacy is a strategic diplomatic tool used by China. Since 1984, China has leased pandas rather than gifted them, using long-term leases (usually 10 years) that include significant fees and conservation clauses.
Negotiations Reflect Broader Political Considerations
Panda loans often align with geopolitical interests, trade relationships, and national security concerns. For example, recent repatriations of pandas to China have been influenced by political caution and control exerted by Chinese authorities.
High Financial and Operational Costs
Hosting pandas requires substantial investment. The San Diego Zoo, for instance, faces annual maintenance costs of approximately $400,000 per panda, driven largely by dietary needs since pandas consume expensive bamboo daily.
Conservation and Habitat Protection are Central
Lease agreements typically ensure that part of panda loan fees supports panda conservation and habitat preservation efforts in China. The species’ survival depends on protecting isolated bamboo habitats, emphasizing the ecological aspects intertwined with negotiation outcomes.
Lease and Ownership Terms are Critical
Any cubs born during the loan period remain the property of China, highlighting the control China maintains over panda breeding outcomes. Additionally, negotiating discretion appears to be limited, reflecting tighter oversight by Chinese agencies managing panda diplomacy.
Camp Lemonnier Case Study
Another fascinating case study offered by TNRC is the Camp Lemonnier case study, which focuses on major lessons such as defining BATNA, understanding the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA), the impact of culture in negotiation, uncovering interests, principal-agent dynamics, and uncovering sources of power in negotiation.
Camp Lemonnier is the only permanent U.S. base on the African continent, and in 2014, renegotiations over it were taking place between the United States and the Republic of Djibouti. Tensions between the two nations were due to collisions and close calls in the air, complaints about air-traffic controller training, and labor disputes at the base.
TNRC's Wide Range of Teaching Materials
The TNRC offers a wide range of effective teaching materials, including over 250 negotiation exercises and role-play simulations, critical case studies, enlightening periodicals, more than 30 videos, and 100-plus books. These resources are invaluable for business, law, and government students and professionals in multiple subject areas.
In addition to the above case studies, TNRC also offers posts on topics such as Labor Relations: Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements, Negotiating Identity and Values-Based Disputes, International Business Acquisition Negotiated Online, Teaching Critical Leadership Skills, and Camp Lemonnier: Negotiating a Lease Agreement for a Key Military Base in Africa.
A Green Victory Against Great Odds Case Study
The A Green Victory Against Great Odds, But Was It Too Little Too Late? case study offers lessons about cultivating champions, neutralizing opponents, organizing the masses, and using the right message at the right time. This case study provides an intimate view into a battle over energy policy in 2007 among major US nonprofit environmental groups, Members of Congress, and industry. The resulting law from the battle slashed pollution by raising car efficiency regulations for the first time in three decades.
Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards Case Study
The Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards case study is based on the actual negotiations of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement's labor provisions, signed into law on January 1, 2004. This case study is available in a Teacher's Package for further learning.
In short, the TNRC's resources offer a wealth of insights into the complexities of negotiation, providing valuable teaching materials for students and professionals alike. Whether you're interested in international diplomacy, military base negotiations, or environmental policy, TNRC has a case study or teaching material that will help you enhance your negotiation skills and knowledge.
[1] Zhang, J. (2016). Panda Diplomacy: The Political Implications of Giant Panda Conservation. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
[2] Li, Y. (2019). Panda Diplomacy: Sino-American Relations and the Global Politics of the Giant Panda. University of Chicago Press.
[3] San Diego Zoo Global. (2021). Giant Panda Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-panda/fact-sheet
- The Teaching Negotiation Resource Center (TNRC) provides resources for leadership in business, law, and government that aim to enhance negotiation skills and knowledge, with educational materials used in colleges, corporate training sessions, and by mediators.
- One of the intriguing case studies offered by TNRC is the 'Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo', which delves into international negotiation complexities, conservation priorities, and high costs associated with panda loans.
- Panda diplomacy, a strategic tool used by China for international negotiations, includes long-term leases that bear significant fees and conservation clauses.
- The TNRC offers various materials, including case studies, videos, periodicals, and books, for online-education and self-development, covering topics like dispute resolution, labor relations, and identity-based disputes.
- The 'A Green Victory Against Great Odds' case study offers lessons on cultivating champions, organizing the masses, and using the right message at the right time, focusing on a battle over energy policy among major US nonprofits, Members of Congress, and industry.
