The OSHA Negotiation:
Your electrical contracting company managed to get a pretty decent settlement from OSHA. The elevator shaft penalty was withdrawn and you got a penalty reduction on the cord violation (provided you increase diligence on enforcing the cord inspection program). There was even a reduction on the third violation that you did not expect. Your total penalty was reduced from $14,000 to $7,300.
Time to change hats:
In this SLP, however, you are going to be asked to take off your OSHA negotiations hat and will need to consider a different situation. Your electrical contracting company is considering bidding on a job to provide all of the electrical installation work for a Chinese general contractor who is building a manufacturing facility for their parent company (also from China) in your state.
Given the breakdown in trade barriers over the years and increased cultural diversity in our nation, an appreciation for cultural difference and consideration of international business negotiations may prove useful in your future dealings.
For this assignment please read/review the articles set aside in your background readings for your SLP. Given the other materials you have covered in this class, what considerations should be made when preparing to negotiate, and during negotiations, with individuals from other cultures and different countries? You may use the ‘negotiation with a Chinese general contractor’ example above for a point of reference.
