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The Roommates' Decision
Frey, Sherwood C. Jr.; Bass, Lucien; Halter, Kelly M.; Markwood, Meredith Case QA-0846 / Published April 21, 2016 / 3 pages. Collection: Darden School of Business
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Product Overview

This case is designed for use in undergraduate courses that cover negotiation skills and organizational behavior. Its relatable context and integrated lessons fits well within modules on multiperson situations, coalitions, and conflict resolution. It particularly complements "Kicks Inc.: Background Information" (UVA-QA-0739) well, and could be used as a precursor for complicated multiperson negotiations and situations. Devin Moore, Jessie Taylor, and Alex Johnson are three students at Jefferson University who decided early in their junior year to room together in an off-campus house for their senior year. In a rush to secure housing, the three have signed a lease for a house without working out any details. The house has three distinct bedrooms that differ in size, natural light, closet size, and charm. Each roommate has different preferences, but each prefers one bedroom to the alternatives. The roommates also must discuss additional elements associated with living together, including parking, utilities, and rent—which will further complicate the discussion.



Learning Objectives

● To show the value of forming coalitions within a multiperson role-play negotiation ● To understand priorities and values as well as potential points of leverage or sacrifice ● To identify various sources of power and the ability to use those in a negotiation ● To demonstrate the importance of seeing differences as an opportunity to create unique solutions to create mutual benefit and find value in terms and conditions that go beyond the obvious discussion point ● To understand the importance of relationships and the effect that has on the negotiation and need to create a mutually agreed-upon outcome


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  • Overview

    This case is designed for use in undergraduate courses that cover negotiation skills and organizational behavior. Its relatable context and integrated lessons fits well within modules on multiperson situations, coalitions, and conflict resolution. It particularly complements "Kicks Inc.: Background Information" (UVA-QA-0739) well, and could be used as a precursor for complicated multiperson negotiations and situations. Devin Moore, Jessie Taylor, and Alex Johnson are three students at Jefferson University who decided early in their junior year to room together in an off-campus house for their senior year. In a rush to secure housing, the three have signed a lease for a house without working out any details. The house has three distinct bedrooms that differ in size, natural light, closet size, and charm. Each roommate has different preferences, but each prefers one bedroom to the alternatives. The roommates also must discuss additional elements associated with living together, including parking, utilities, and rent—which will further complicate the discussion.

  • Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    ● To show the value of forming coalitions within a multiperson role-play negotiation ● To understand priorities and values as well as potential points of leverage or sacrifice ● To identify various sources of power and the ability to use those in a negotiation ● To demonstrate the importance of seeing differences as an opportunity to create unique solutions to create mutual benefit and find value in terms and conditions that go beyond the obvious discussion point ● To understand the importance of relationships and the effect that has on the negotiation and need to create a mutually agreed-upon outcome