Pass the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply L4M5 Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Distributive approach to negotiation used when the interested parties are attempting to divide something up or distribute something of value, also known as zero-sum approach or win-lose. Win-lose approach is useful when the relationship with the other party (TOP) is short-term and once-off.

The question mentions 4 types of relationship:

Adversarial: Both seek to maximize position at the expense of the other. Almost no trust, communication and cooperation. These suppliers will probably provide non-core products or services with the buyer purchasing them on a one-off basis.

Outsourcing relationship: Use competent suppliers to manage non-core businesses previously done in-house. Require high level of trust and collaboration

Partnership: Both work closely on long term development by sharing information, technology and ideas.High level of trust with the aim to benefit both parties (win-win)

Strategic alliance: Both parties identify areas where they could collaborate to create mutual benefits

Among these 4 types of relationship, only adversarial is once-off. Then it is the correct answer.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of the goods and services manufactured or supplied in a financial period. In general terms, when the GDP rate falls or slows down, there will be a fall in demand for goods and services demanded in the economy, with a fall in firms' revenue and profit margins. When GDP is rising, there will be an increase in demand.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) is weighted measurement that evaluates the average cost of a basket of goods bought by a consumer.

Producer Price Index (PPI) is average changes in prices that a producer receives in return for its goods or services.

Small Business Lending Index (SBLI) is an indicator of small business lending trends.

Summarising what has been said is a key component of active listening, as it demonstrates understanding and engagement in the conversation. Active listening involves confirming and clarifying information, which helps build rapport and ensures accurate communication, as outlined in CIPS’s guidelines for effective negotiation communication.

In difficult negotiations and disputes, hardball tactics like punishment and threats often seem like the only way to win concessions. Some negotiators seem to believe that hardball tactics are the key to success in any negotiation. They resort to extreme demands and even unethical behaviour to try to get the upper hand in a negotiation.

The following are 8 typical hardball tactics:

1. Good cop / Bad cop

2. Low ball / High ball

3. Bogey

4. The Nibble

5. Chicken

6. Intimidation

7. Aggressive Behaviour

8. Snow Job

You can read the details of each tactic here.

In the contrary to hardball tactics, negotiators can adopt integrative approach to the negotiation. Some of integrative tactics are:

1. Expand the Pie

2. Bridging

3. Post Settlement –Settlement

Et cetera

The coercive power comes from the belief that a person can punish others for non-compliance. It can be considered as opposite to reward power, which results from one person's ability to compensate or reward another for compliance.

LO 1, AC 1.3

In a globalised commercial world characterised by dynamic market and multiple companies competing for business, a positive corporate reputation can be an enormous asset. Reputational strength in one organisation might be based on some or all of the following characteristics:

- Quality of products or services

- Low cost/high value for money

- High ethical standards

- Reliability

- Cutting-edge technology

- Strong customer focus

- Engineering excellence

LO 1, AC 1.4

An adversarial negotiation style is more suitable in a market with many alternative sources and substitutes (B). When there are multiple suppliers, buyers have the upper hand and can adopt a competitive stance without risking supply continuity. This aligns with CIPS guidance on the use of adversarial styles in competitive markets with numerous alternatives.

Many commercial negotiations could be considered routine or just not worth the investment for buyers, and using the phone can make more sense and can be more immediate.

LO 2, AC 2.4

There are many tactics and ploys that can be used to persuade others, particularly those not trained in negotiation. But in general these tactics should be used with care, as they can backfire; and in situations where a long-term relationship is desired, they can be, if detected, become an irritant to TOP.

Tactics are particularly effective if and when you are dealing with untrained negotiators, in consumer's buying situation and in once-off encounter.