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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan the negotiation
  2. Conduct the negotiation
  3. Participate in mediation forums
  4. Finalise the outcome

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required Skills

problemsolving strategies to know how to deal with unexpected questions or attitudes

interpersonal skills to develop rapport with other parties to the conflict

communication skills to come to an effective agreed outcome

negotiation skills to negotiate difficult situations and resolve problems as they arise

flexibility to adjust quickly to differing situations

empathy to develop rapport and understanding with and for the other party

evaluation of strategies to prepare negotiation plan

conflict management skills

report writing skills

ability to relate to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

Required Knowledge

legislative andor other legal provisions

sources of information

organisational policies and procedures for negotiations

decision making and conflict resolution strategies

recording and reporting procedures

organisational goals

understanding of the concept of diversity

range of evaluation methodologies

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated For example knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

The demonstrated ability to

interpret accurately and comply with legal and procedural requirements

analyse all relevant information and document a negotiation plan that complies with organisational procedures and relevant legislative requirements

conduct a range of negotiations using a variety of techniques to reach predetermined organisational outcomes

conduct a range of mediation forums using a variety of techniques to reach an agreed solution

develop and document in a wellorganised manner negotiation outcomes that address the requirements of the organisation and clearly identify areas for further required action

Context of assessment

Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria with particular attention to the critical aspects and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide and within the scope of the Range Statement

Assessment must take account of the endorsed Assessment Guidelines in the Local Government Training Package

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment

Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies for the particular AQF level Refer to the key competency levels at the end of this unit

Relationship to other unitsprerequisite or corequisite units

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

thirdparty reports from experienced practitioners

completion of selfpaced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence should be collected over a set period of time that is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of formal and informal situations involving different types of problems and clients

Resource implications

The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Purpose of the negotiation may include:

content

desired outcomes

consequences of not reaching agreement

other alternatives

Negotiating style may include:

collaborative

competitive

subordinate

Information relevant to the negotiation may include:

background on other parties in the negotiation

understanding of the topic to be negotiated

clear understanding of desired outcomes

history of the dispute

knowledge of the organisation

precedents

processes and procedures

legislative requirements

bargaining information

The negotiation plan may include:

tactics

timing

presentation documentation

facts relevant to the dispute

non-verbal environments

personal attributes

strategies to manage process

strategies to manage conflict

internal or external organisational options for resolving conflict

Effective negotiation techniques may include:

presentation techniques

speaking skills

listening techniques

questioning techniques

personal attributes

non-verbal communication skills

analytical skills

Changed circumstances may include:

decision to alter tactics

decision to withdraw

changed agenda

new information

Appropriate techniques for breaking deadlocks may include:

restating the position

clarifying the positions of both parties

deferring the decision

summarising the progress to date

calling in a third party

preparing a compromise

Mediation techniques may include:

demonstrating empathy

using appropriate body language

reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing

asking open-ended questions

active listening

Stakeholders may include:

management

colleagues

clients

relevant union officials

Agreement may include:

follow up action

issues or undertakings to be completed, allocated or referred

time line