NEGOTIATION IN HRM

 

Negotiation in Human Resource Management

Negotiation is a basic language in human resource management. As human resource specialists, we are able to establish win-win scenarios that stimulate healthy employee relationships and corporate success. We will explore innovative strategies and the newest developments in negotiation that can help us become experts in the art of negotiation.

                                                   

                                          Source: (Investopedia, 2024)

Steps of Negotiation Process

Negotiation is a core skill for many roles. It’s not limited to procurement professionals, but it is just as relevant in sales and human resources, particularly for people working in management and leadership positions.                        

                                                 

                           Source: (WatershedAssociates, 2024)  
       

·                    ·         Prepare

Identify potential value Begin to understand interests Develop fact-base. It is the first stage of any negotiation, though people often don't give it the time it warrants. They often charge into the Information Exchange Stage, or even directly to Bargaining.

·         Exchange

The Information Exchange Stage occurs when you begin to engage the other side, share information and explore options that address interests – what you each need, as opposed to positions – what you each ask for later in the Bargaining Stage. It is critical here to focus on building rapport and trust, without which neither party will feel comfortable sharing interests.

·         Bargain

Bargaining is where the "give-and-take" happens. If you think success means all take and no give, you won't capture real value. You make and manage your concessions in bargaining. When you give and take that which satisfies both parties' interests, you will build a lasting relationship and a fruitful outcome. During the Bargaining Stage, you continue to create value, and with trades, finally capture value.

·         Conclude

Stage 4 is the point in the process when you reach an agreement. It is important to find out if the other side has the capacity to follow through with the things they said they would do. This is the time to put down in writing the common interests and produce a comprehensive summary of the agreement. Sometimes you have to consider strategies here to lock-in a commitment. Be sure to agree on next steps as well. And never forget to thank the other party for their willingness to negotiate – even when no agreement is reached.

  •         Execute
    Stage 5 is implementation of the agreement. This stage may also be viewed as preparation for the next negotiation opportunity. You must ensure that you follow through on promises made in order to strengthen the relationship and to build trust. You will learn more in this stage about the other side. This will lead to easier negotiations next time around. And remember that during execution you are likely to apply the total negotiation process and Best Negotiating Practices to unexpected events, failures in performance and the inevitable changes 


What are the negotiation skills every Human Resource Professionals Must Have ? (Leadership, 2024) says,

As a Human Resource professional, one needs to don many hats required to succeed in their role. Today, having essential HR skills which range from role-specific activities to communication skills, including emotional intelligence and core negotiation skills stands paramount. These skills not only help HR professionals to grow in their careers, but they can profoundly contribute to organizational success.

     ·         An active listener is a great negotiator:

To become a problem solver, HR professionals must possess the ability to listen attentively and understand the needs and concerns of all parties involved in negotiations. Actively listening fosters compassion and enables HR to identify common ground for mutually beneficial solutions.

·         Communication is the key:

A great orator is a good negotiator. Being a clear and concise communicator is crucial for conveying ideas, expectations and proposals during negotiations. Articulating your points effectively while maintaining professionalism is one of the top negotiation skills that every HR must have.

·         Be an empath:

Empathy is sympathy. In other words, understanding the perspectives and emotions of your office colleagues is a critical negotiation skill. By doing so, you can build a strong rapport and trust that leads to smoother discussions and stronger relationships.

·         Problem-solving temperament:

Negotiation competencies for HR often revolve around resolving conflicts and addressing    complex issues. Having an effective problem-solving temperament enables HR professionals to analyse challenges, brainstorm solutions, and instrument strategies that meet the requirements of all parties involved.

·         Flexibility:

One of the core negotiation skills an HR should have is adaptability and flexibility to accommodate various interests and changing circumstances. HR professionals should see and work with an open mind and be willing to adjust their approach to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

·         Resolve conflict, don’t instigate:

In any organizational setupconflicts are inevitable. If you fail to do so then negotiation skills training can come in handy to manage and resolve disputes constructively. As an HR professional one should employ a collaborative approach and encourage an open dialogue to reach resolutions that satisfy all the involved members.

·         Stay up to date and prepare:

Anticipating potential challenges and being prepared to handle them with updated information is a sign of a good HR professional. They should research relevant data and develop tactical plans to achieve their negotiation points effectively.

·         Assert what is necessary:

When screening candidates for a particular position, assert what are the necessary objectives that need to be fulfilled. Assertiveness helps to ensure their interests are adequately represented and considered.

·         Diversity and inclusivity:

As we revolve in a globalized workforce, essential negotiation skills for HR professionals often lead them to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural sensitivity is critical for understanding social norms and values fostering positive relationships and a diversified workforce.

·         Ethics matter:

The last but the most important point of HR negotiation skills is upholding ethical standards. HR professionals must establish integrity, honesty, and fairness throughout the negotiation process, which earns them the trust and respect of all involved parties.


Tips for Successful Negotiating

Rajeev Dhir (2023) Says,Some people may be born negotiators, but many of us are not. Here are a few tips that can help.

  • Justify Your Position

Don't just walk into negotiations without being able to back up your position. Bring information to show that you've done your research and you're committed to reaching a deal.

  • Put Yourself in Their Shoes

 Remember that the other side has things it wants out of the deal, too. What can you offer that will help them reach their goal (or most of it) without giving away more than you want to or can afford to?

  • Keep Your Emotions in Check

It's easy to get caught up in the moment and be swayed by your personal feelings, especially ones like anger and frustration. But don't let your emotions cause you to lose sight of your goal.

  • Know When to Walk Away

Before you begin the negotiating process, it's a good idea to know what you'll accept as a bare minimum and when you'd rather walk away from the table than continue to bargain. There is no use trying to reach a deal if both sides are hopelessly dug in. Even if you don't want to end negotiations entirely, pausing them can give everyone involved a chance to regroup and possibly return to the table with a fresh perspective

                                                 

Source: (Shutterstock, 2024)

 Conclusion
Proficiency in negotiation is crucial in the dynamic realm of human resources. As human resource specialists, we are able to establish win-win scenarios that stimulate healthy employee relationships and corporate success. Mastering negotiation unlocks possibilities and creates win-win outcomes. HR's should keep Embracing collaboration, emotional intelligence, data-driven decisions, bridge cultures, and adapt to virtual negotiation. HR should Position themselves as a skilled negotiator who shapes positive outcomes.

References

 

Dhir, R., 2023. investopedia.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/negotiation.asp
[Accessed 10 04 2024].

Investopedia, 2024. Investopedia.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/negotiation.asp
[Accessed 06 04 2024].

Leadership, P., 2024. pragatileadership.com. [Online]
Available at: https://pragatileadership.com/top-10-negotiation-skills-every-hr-must-have/
[Accessed 10 04 2024].

Shutterstock, 2024. Shutterstock.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/negotiation
[Accessed 10 04 2024].

WatershedAssociates, 2024. WatershedAssociates.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.watershedassociates.com/learning-center-item/negotiation-stages-introduction.html
[Accessed 06 04 2024].


Comments

  1. Well described the Negotiation skills, importance of having it and it's applications.

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  2. The article covers the key points of why negotiable is important in HRM. Nice one

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  3. Negotiation in HRM is a nuanced art that requires a blend of soft skills and strategic planning. By cultivating key attributes, such as empathy, communication, problem-solving, and ethical behavior, and by following a structured negotiation process, HR professionals can become adept negotiators. This proficiency enables them to shape outcomes that support employee satisfaction, enhance team dynamics, and contribute to the overall achievements of the organization. Thus, positioning HR as a vital contributor to the strategic direction and enduring prosperity of the enterprise.

    ReplyDelete

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