LGADMIN421A
Participate in negotiations

This unit covers participating in negotiations either as an individual or as a member of a team. It includes effective negotiation techniques, planning and preparing for negotiation and finalising the agreement. The unit is suitable for those working as team leaders or managers or those dealing extensively with the community or other external stakeholders.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan the negotiation

1.1 Purpose of the negotiation is clarified and the desired outcomes of all parties are considered.

1.2 Approach to be taken is determined based on analysis of the strength and weakness of the position and the most appropriate negotiating style.

1.3 All information relevant to the negotiation is collected, analysed and organised to support the selected approach.

1.4 Negotiation plan is developed in accordance with organisational procedures and legislative requirements.

1.5 Plan is communicated to team leader and other staff assisting in the negotiation.

2. Conduct the negotiation

2.1 Issues and processes are documented and agreed upon by all parties.

2.2 Effective negotiation techniques are used to persuade and convince other party of the strength of the argument put forward.

2.3 Plan is adapted where required to respond to changed circumstances.

2.4 Appropriate techniques are selected to deal with conflicts and break deadlocks.

2.5 Possible solutions are discussed and their viability assessed.

2.6 Agreed position is confirmed.

3. Participate in mediation forums

3.1 Mediation is planned in accordance with organisational procedures and legislative requirements.

3.2 Background information is sought from all parties to facilitate mediation process.

3.3 Mediation is conducted in a manner that facilitates open communication.

3.4 Appropriate mediation techniques and questioning are used to encourage parties to explore and reflect on issues.

3.5 Appropriate techniques are selected to deal with conflicts and break deadlocks.

3.6 Assertive communication is used to reach a solution.

4. Finalise the outcome

4.1 Debriefing and reporting of negotiation outcomes is provided to appropriate stakeholders.

4.2 Agreement is confirmed and accurately documented in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.3 Outcome of the negotiation is evaluated and further action to be taken is determined, if required.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

problem-solving 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 and/or 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 well-organised 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 units(prerequisite or co-requisite 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 and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced 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


Sectors

Administration


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.