This document outlines the activities for Week 10 of the MGF1100: Managerial Communication course. It includes contact information for the tutor, an activity where students discuss past negotiation experiences around large purchases, and an in-class role-playing activity where students negotiate a raise. For the raise negotiation, one student acts as the boss, one as the employee seeking a raise, and others observe and provide feedback. The observers note strategies used and their effectiveness to help the participants develop a new approach.

1. MGF1100: Managerial Communication
Week 10:
Managerial Communication:
Negotiation
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2. Your Tutor (me)
Nathan Eva
– nathan.eva@monash.edu
– 9903 4065
– Building N Level 5 Room 14
– www.slideshare.net/nathaneva
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3. Negotiation
• In groups
– How many of you have purchased a car, home or other big-ticket
item?
– Did you pay what you wanted to pay?
– Why or why not?
– When you were successful, what were some things you said or
did that helped you get what you wanted
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4. Negotiating a Raise
• In groups
– One is the boss
– One is the employee
– Two are observers
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5. Negotiating a Raise
The Boss – You are happy to have this subordinate on your team. S/he is a valuable player.
Lately, though, you're concerned that s/he appears a little frazzled. You gave some thought
to promoting him/her, after all s/he did just finish his/her MBA, but you wanted to wait a few
months to see if s/he appears to be back in control. You've heard through the grapevine that
s/he is upset about the fact that others in similar positions are making more than him/her. In
this market, you've got to pay big bucks to attract top talent. A raise may be justified, but you
believe s/he is likely to be content with a 5% salary increase. Given your concerns about
his/her current state, a higher percentage increase—which would come with the promotion
you considered him/her for—may put even more pressure on him/her.
The Subordinate – You like working at this firm, in fact, you've made lots of friends there. In
three years, you've had a lot of successes in your firm. Your reputation as a valuable player
extends beyond your immediate department. Many marvel at your ability to balance work,
school, and your fiancé while doing well on all fronts. But you finished your degree and
expect a raise. After all, brand new MBA hires are making 25% more than you—and they
don't even have any experience in your firm. The market for someone with your talents and
credentials is heating up, though you really don't want to leave. However, you feel underpaid
and under appreciated and will leave if salary adjustments aren't made soon. You see your
boss in the copy room and request a meeting with him/her.
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6. Negotiating a Raise
The Observer(s) – Take careful notes of what each player did or said relative to the following
questions:
–
–
–
–
–
–
What were some of the positive aspects of how each player negotiated?
What strategy did each player use?
Which ones were effective? Which were not effective?
What frames did each player use?
Which ones were effective? Which were not effective?
What could each side have done to be more effective in their strategy or during the negotiation?
At the conclusion of the negotiation, the observers are to provide feedback to the players
while still in their groups. Together, the group should develop a script for how they would
approach the situation if given a second chance.
www.monash.edu.au
6

7. Negotiating a Raise
The Observer(s) – Take careful notes of what each player did or said relative to the following
questions:
–
–
–
–
–
–
What were some of the positive aspects of how each player negotiated?
What strategy did each player use?
Which ones were effective? Which were not effective?
What frames did each player use?
Which ones were effective? Which were not effective?
What could each side have done to be more effective in their strategy or during the negotiation?
At the conclusion of the negotiation, the observers are to provide feedback to the players
while still in their groups. Together, the group should develop a script for how they would
approach the situation if given a second chance.
www.monash.edu.au
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