Reference no: EM132727710

Sophia has worked for a large law firm as a paralegal for 10 years. She travels extensively with the attorneys essentially doing all of their research and writing briefs. There are several levels of paralegals in this law office and Sophia is a level 3 out of a possible 5 levels. She is tired of traveling as she has younger children and would like to take a break from that. She also feels that her skills are undervalued, and she should have been promoted years ago to a level 4. Due to this, she has been seeking employment elsewhere and has been offered another paralegal role without travel. Her current salary is $90,000 and the other job has offered her $110,000.

There are things about her current role that Sophia enjoys - she knows everyone and has a great working family. She understands what is expected of her. The benefits are really strong, and she now has earned 4 weeks of vacation annually.

Sophia talked to her supervisor, Nikki, about this opportunity. They have a very open and honest relationship, so Sophia wanted Nikki to understand that while she doesn't want to leave, the offer is too attractive to ignore.

Nikki thinks Sophia is one of her strongest paralegals and does not want to lose her. She is loyal and does excellent work. Nikki concedes privately that Sophia should have received the promotion some time ago. She also understands that replacing Nikki would be costly with $20,000 in hiring and training costs, then a minimum of $100,000 in salary. Nikki wants to make a counteroffer to retain Sophia.

a. Why do you think Sophia is interested in the other role? What is most appealing in your opinion?

b. Why do you think Nikki has not promoted Sophia yet? This is your opinion - no right or wrong - just want you to think critically on this one.

c. What would be Sophia's BATNA for salary? Identify how you determined this.

d. What would be Nikki's BATNA? How did you determine that number?

e. What is their ZOPA?

f. What would you do if you were Nikki?