7-2 Final Project Milestone Four: Conflict Management Strategy Assignment

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Submit a paper detailing the conflict management strategy. Based on your research of the country's business ethics and values, how will you manage any conflicts that arise during negotiations? Describe how you will ensure no harm is caused to the business relationship. Ensure the conflict management strategy is in harmony with the culture and other aspects of your chosen country.

This milestone will inform your final project. For additional details, please refer to the Final Project Guidelines and Rubric document and the Milestone Four Guidelines and Rubric document.

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Running Head: KENYAN CULTURE 1 Kenyan Culture Southern New Hampshire University Kumyiah McDonald INT – 660-Q4183 05/11/18 KENYAN CULTURE 2 Kenya Cultural aspects Kenya is a country that is situated in the African continent that was previously referred as the Dark Continent by the Europeans before they conquered Africa due to their strong traditional backward cultural inclinations. Many in this country, irrespective of the western civilization that was spread in the 20th century by their European colonial masters aimed at spreading new modes of dressing, religion, education, and administration, many have remained faithful to their ancestral and traditional values and cultures. This country has been of strategic and economic importance to the U.S in East Africa and African at large for business and other explorations e.g. fighting terrorism (Bale, 2013). Many of its citizens are yet to become literate because educational programs are not fully rolled out to all communities with some areas like North Eastern part of the nation yet embrace education and abandon primitive ways. Negotiation process Education is one cultural aspect that will profoundly impact the negotiation process between America and Kenya. While almost all American citizens are educated, the same cannot be said of their Kenyan counterparts whose entire populations are yet to become fully trained. While America is a postindustrial society whose citizen’s knowledge is based on scientific and rational thinking, Kenya is a country that cannot be regarded even modern, because their dominant sector of production is Agriculture and a significant number of its citizen’s knowledge is derived KENYAN CULTURE 3 from religious faith, magic, and superstition. In the negotiation table, while Americans think critically and rationally, Kenyans thinking is influenced by their cultural values and beliefs. Their interests in the business negotiation process are parallel because Americans aims to increase capital, while Kenyans engage in business, being a third world economy for survival. (Thiong’o, 2011). While American workers are very skilled, Kenyans workers are unskilled or semiskilled due to educational factors and any business conducted cannot be fair because it is obvious that those who are more skilled and knowledgeable should get more out of any business dealings. Kenya has a problem with their manufacturing process because they would require their agricultural produce and raw materials to be manufactured into finished goods and yet they don’t possess the means to do so, America has. When America turns them into finished products, a value is added to the prices, and this translates into a skewed type of business because America will eventually cost more for their goods than Kenya. The export-import business will also be unbalanced. Significant economic and cultural differences between Kenya and the United States American’s thinking, and occurrence’s interpretations are based on scientific and rational knowledge, while that of Kenyans is based on magic and superstition for all happenings. The culture of consumerism in Kenya as a third world is consuming what is disposed off by the U.S thereby, causing environmental issues. The native's main languages in Kenya is speaking in their local mother tongue languages, and their elites speak in the imitated and copied American English, while that spoken by all Americans is pure American English, which is their national and official language. Many of Kenyan communities are ethnocentric in thinking their traditional believes are superior to other cultures, hence are not ready to accept social changes on their values and beliefs, while the Americans are rational thinkers who will adapt to changes that bear positive life KENYAN CULTURE 4 advancement results in their lives. Kenyan citizens consume maize as their staple food, while in America, consumption of food is varying according to innovations and inventions of different types of food. Many Kenyan communities give higher value in extended family settings, while in America importance is put on nuclear family settings (Johnson, 2002). Perception of Americans style of doing business by Kenyans Kenyan natives perceive the American nature of doing business as an unfair one, because they claim Americans are always fixated on exploiting them to gain more from their business dealings with the Kenyans. All do not share this view, but a significant percentage of them shares it. They argue that America continues to get richer, while Kenya continues to get poor. This is primarily as a result of their economic plans that encourage more imports than exports. The currency strength also plays a part in the international market, with their shilling decidedly weaker against the dollar. They blame the notion of associating manufactured goods with high prices and agricultural products with low prices to the idea of Americanism, where high value is placed on American products and low value on the developing countries products. Americans are blamed for brainwashing Kenyan elites, who after learning in America, return to their country to advance American interests instead of solving Kenyan native’s issues. Effects of cultural/economic characteristics Societies are analyzed through time, and it is important to note that America is more than 200 years old, and has evolved with time transiting into different stages with different social, economic, cultural, political and technological structures. The problems of Kenya can be derived from misguided policies of trying to force a 50-year-old country to become urbanized, industrial and developed like America within a short period. This unrealistic, and that is why they are KENYAN CULTURE 5 experiencing many problems. The business approach between America and Kenya should be conducted in a manner which negotiators deem beneficial to both countries.it can go to extreme measures by the U.S to offer Kenya business advices and skilled labor aimed at stirring their ailing economy. Decision making should start to be made rationally and scientifically in Kenya because the world continues to modernize, and embracing technology will suit all Kenyans interests in every sector of their economy. The communication style will only be improved and made efficient if all Kenyans are educated and literate (Walumbwa, 2015). KENYAN CULTURE 6 References Bale, J., & Sang, J. (2013). Kenyan running: movement culture, geography, and global change. Routledge. Johnson, S., & Miller, A. (2002). A cross-cultural study of immediacy, credibility, and learning in the US and Kenya. Communication Education, 51(3), 280-292. Wa Thiong’o, N. (2011). Kenyan culture: The national struggle for survival. Writers in Politics. Essays. Walumbwa, F. O., Orwa, B., Wang, P., & Lawler, J. J. (2015). Transformational leadership, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction: A comparative study of Kenyan and US financial firms. Human resource development quarterly, 16(2), 235-256. Running head: STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS Stakeholder Analysis Kumyiah McDonald Southern New Hampshire University 1 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 2 Critical Stakeholders in the Negotiation The government The government of Kenya is one critical stakeholder that serves as the central organ that controls every process that affects the country at large. The government structure allows either local authorities, the county governments, of any authorized or legal body established undertake government to foresee all activities that are undertaken in every sector of the economy to ensure legal procedures are followed. Appropriate departments and organizations formed under the Kenyan Constitution are involved directly in legal procedures to ensure that any company operating in the country has legal documentation and certification. The Community The community is equally a significant part of the stakeholder group in Kenya. It represents the general public. The Kenyan public is composed of people from diverse communities with diverse cultures and mindset. With more than forty-two communities available in Kenya, the acceptance, adoption, consumption, and use of a particular product are dependent upon many factors including economic status, education level, and social-cultural aspects. Some communities are hostile, and so, they require public participation to make them aware and involve them in any negotiation process that will affect them. The Media As a stakeholder, the media is one component of the negotiation process that is critical. What it entails is composed of information provided by newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and internet-based platforms such as Facebook, organization’s websites, and other blogs. Through the media, the public and other stakeholders receive and share information. STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 3 The significance of the Roles of the Stakeholders The government plays a critical role when it comes to legalization and policy-making, passing and implementation. It ensures that the process of negotiation is conducted according to the existing laws with any foreign company. By doing so, the foreign firm, as a part of the negotiation entities conforms to the laws and policies established by the government of Kenya. The media plays a great role in publicizing information about the progress of the negotiation process. In the process of publicizing, it illuminates the concerns under the negotiation process. Another significance of this publication role it that it helps to ensure that there is internal coordination within the government (Davison, 1974). It also aids to ensure that there is a linkage between the government and the public that is interested in the negotiation and also offers additional channels of communication for diplomacy during negotiation. As buyers or consumers of the product, the foreign company will manufacture, communities play the role of offering labor. With this role in mind, representatives of the communities help in developing a business model that accommodates all the people from different communities in Kenya. This is vital in arriving at decisions quickly. Priorities of the Stakeholders The government’s priorities The position and priority of the government in involvement in the negotiation process with the foreign company is the amount of tax that it will get from the foreign company operating in Kenya. In this case, the Kenyan government presents a negotiator or a group of negotiators on its behalf to ensures that they do economic calculation so that the foreign company has to make a high return. STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 4 In mind, the government targets to have higher earnings from the foreign firm. However, this interest may differ with the general public as consumers. One way of ensuring the foreign company earns high is setting prices of their products up. The high process will affect the purchasing power of the public, and so, they will differ from this interest. The government should have a relief on the prices based on particular regions of the country such as the marginalized areas. The government should also develop a policy that is used s tool to guide the priorities of the government that will benefit its citizens. The Media’s Priorities One priority that the media has is to make every part of information under negotiation public. In the process of making it public, some communities may not agree with the way the information about some products is flowing. In some communities in which the level of education is still low, the use of particular communication channels during the time negotiation may be inappropriate. The media should apply the proper and relevant channels in the publication of the information to ensure that every individual has access to the reports and feedback from the negotiation. Community’s priorities The priorities of the communities in Kenya for any international business negotiation process are safety, job opportunities, and best prices (Johnson & Miller, 2002). The community always will expect employment chances that any foreign company operating in Kenya have while observing their safety issue. Nevertheless, in some communities, the limitation in education level in some marginalized communities may not meet the job requirements for some job positions. As a result, the communities may feel that was not represented in the negotiation process. In this case, there STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 5 should be known representatives from every community to be involved in the process of negotiation. STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 6 References Davison , P. W. (1974). News media and internationla negotiation. Public Opinion Quarterly , 174-191. Johnson, S., & Miller, A. (2002). A cross-cultural study of immediacy, credibility, and learning in the US and Kenya. Communication Education, 51(3), 280-292. Running Head: BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY Business Negotiation Strategy Kumyiah McDonald Southern New Hampshire University BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY 2 Business Negotiation Strategy Selection of Negotiation strategy Negotiation is an important process that entails bringing different parties to the table to deliberate on a common issue with the objective of deriving a mutually acceptable resolution (Baesu, 2015). For an effective negotiation to be possible, it is important for the negotiating parties to have adequate knowledge and background information of each other and of the situation at hand. Economic theories classify knowledge as an integral component of production that greatly influences the management of factors of production (Baesu, 2015). In this context, a negotiation between Kenyan and American business entities would require comprehensive knowledge of not only the business arrangement but also the social, cultural, and economic background. To meet the primary objective of enjoying a mutually beneficial outcome for both entities, an integrative negotiation approach would be appropriate. Rationale As highlighted herein, an integrative negotiation strategy assures both parties mutually beneficial outcome. In the case of a negotiation between America and Kenya, the two countries have significantly different interests. Both countries have different goals to achieve. In a business arrangement with Kenya, therefore, it would be important to use an approach that is beneficial not only to American interests but also to Kenya interests. According to Zerres et al. (2013), an integrative approach in such a situation would allow the negotiators to reconcile their individual interests. Kenya would never consent to enter into a business arrangement with an American entity if it does not stand to gain from the negotiation. The reason for this is that the country has a negative BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY 3 attitude towards associating with America for its alleged ‘exploitative’ approaches. With this culture in their background, it would be unwise for an American business group to use an approach that only serves their own interests. In as far as the country’s level of education is not at par with the American literacy levels, chances of using a negotiation strategy that only serves American interests would be futile (Wa Thiong’o, 2011). Cross-cultural negotiation presents different challenges to the negotiation process. In this case, the Kenyan and American cultures are significantly different. Both cultures have different approaches to an international business negotiation. For instance, while Kenya mainly approaches an international business negotiation to improve the living standards of its citizens, the majority of whom are poor, American's approach is to maximize capital gains from the arrangement (Wa Thiong’o, 2011). Using an integrative approach, in this case, would increase the chances of reaching a joint agreement in the negotiation. How the strategy would impact the outcome of the negotiation To apply this strategy, both groups will first table all the prospected benefits that they hope to achieve from the arrangement. Once these facts have been tabled, the negotiators will then seek to achieve the perfect combination of factors that would make it possible for the entities to achieve maximum benefits from the arrangement. Ideally, the purpose of revealing the anticipated benefits is to not only establish trust between both parties but to also make it possible for the entities to express their intentions of arriving at a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Kenyan group would be impressed by the many opportunities for a lifestyle change for its people and the economic growth that this business arrangement would precipitate. In effect, this would motivate them to accept the terms of the agreement. The idea of having a mutually beneficial business arrangement would also be a motivating factor for the Kenyans to be receptive to the agreement. BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY 4 My BATNA in the negotiation If it became apparent that both parties were unlikely to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, the next best alternative would be to approach Ethiopia. Ethiopia is an emerging economy in the East African region. Recent economic data in the region is conflicting with some sources indicating that Ethiopia has a slightly higher gross domestic product as compared to Kenya (CNBC, 2017). The only backside of approaching Ethiopia is that its gross domestic product per capita is nearly half that of Kenya. In addition, it lacks the advantage of a strategic location that Kenya enjoys in the East African region. Nevertheless, it would be the next best alternative if the negotiations were not successful. How the strength of the BATNA influences my approach to the negotiation In this case, the BATNA is not as strong because both countries offer different benefits. The difference in anticipated benefits gives Kenya an edge over Ethiopia. For this reason, it would be in the best interests of our American team to reach a joint agreement with Kenya to avoid being forced to take the less appealing option. Nevertheless, the availability of a viable alternative means that the American team will not be approaching the negotiation with an attitude of desperation to reach an agreement. The implication is that if the minimum requirements for the American interests are not met by the Kenyan negotiators, there is a chance that an almost equally beneficial settlement can be made with Ethiopia albeit with some compromises on the original plan. References BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGY 5 CNBC, (2017). Africa's economies ranked by GDP, which is really the largest? - CNBC Africa. Retrieved from https://www.cnbcafrica.com/zdnl-mc/2017/10/21/africas-economies- ranked-gdp-really-largest/ Băeșu, C., Bejinaru, R., & Iordache, Ş. (2015). Contextual Strategies for Conducting Effective Negotiation. The USV Annals of Economics and Public Administration, 2(22). Wa Thiong’o, N. (2011). Kenyan culture: The national struggle for survival. Writers in Politics. Essays. Zerres, A., Hüffmeier, J., Freund, P., Backhaus, K., & Hertel, G. (2013). Does it take two to tango? Longitudinal effects of unilateral and bilateral integrative negotiation training. Journal Of Applied Psychology, 98(3), 478-491.
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Running head: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Conflict Management Strategy
Kumyiah McDonald
Southern New Hampshire University
Date:

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CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

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Introduction
Currently, all over the world, there is increased competition for market share due to the
ever-rising number of companies all around the world. For this reason, companies intending to
grow have no choice but to expand their reaches to other countries. One market that is
strategically positioned in Africa is Kenya. This is so since it is the leading economy in East
Africa that offers investment opportunities to a vast number of companies.
However, those intending to invest in Kenya should be ready to face numerous
challenges. This is majorly attributed to different cultures that are present in different parts of the
world. Culture, in this case, being the social behavior, customs as well as ideas of certain people
in a society (Diehl & Lepgold, 2003). With companies being used to a certain culture, expansion
to ...


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