The students of IIM-Lucknow have shortlisted 10 ways to end the stalemate between the UPA government and social activist Anna Hazare.
The initiative was a part of a classroom exercise in which 140 students of the Strategic Business Negotiation elective took part to hone their negotiating skills. Of the 20 student groups formed, 10 aligned with Anna Hazare while the remaining took the government’s side.
The students analysed the proposed Lokpal Bill and the Jan Lokpal Bill and then went on to explain and defend their respective positions.
According to the course coordinator, Prof. Himanshu Rai, said that the purpose of the exercise was to get students to negotiate a real-life situation. “The students were required to reach an agreement with three conditions in mind. Firstly, they had to adopt collaborative methods to reach an agreement. Secondly, there was no place for arrogance or use of foul language, thirdly, the groups could not leave the negotiating table without reaching a conclusion,” he explained. In the first phase, the student thoroughly analysed the Jan Lokpal Bill and in the second phase, each group representing both factions, explained and defended their positions. Finally, in the third and final phase, students groups representing the two sides met at the negotiating table to reach a final agreement on the way forward. The entire exercise spanned over 1,500 man hours.
On the basis of the in-camera sessions, students will also receive feedback from the course coordinator on their negotiating skills.
IIM-Lucknow now plans to compile the best suggestions and send them to Mr Hazare and the UPA government for their perusal in the first week of September.
“Neither Mr Hazare nor the Central government is obliged to accept the proposed suggestions. These will, however, be representations made by some of the brightest brains in the country. Therefore, it could be of great value to both camps,” said Prof. Himanshu Rai.