Identify the mediable issues in the below scenario. Frame those issues for discussion and negotiation in the language you find most productive for the situation. Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses is an international company. The business works with local farmers in several countries to ethically source and manufacture high-end cheese products for sale and distribution worldwide via high-end grocery stores, specialty shops, and online markets. The Board of Directors (hereinafter “the Board”) wants to oust their current CEO, but because of contractual obligations that would create a messy and expensive situation they have elected to mediate instead.

QUESTION

Subject: Psychology

Topic: week 4 Journal

Mediation in the case study

Please see attached reading resources and videos to complete assignment.

Identify the mediable issues in the below scenario. Frame those issues for discussion and negotiation in the language you find most productive for the situation. Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses is an international company. The business works with local farmers in several countries to ethically source and manufacture high-end cheese products for sale and distribution worldwide via high-end grocery stores, specialty shops, and online markets. The Board of Directors (hereinafter “the Board”) wants to oust their current CEO, but because of contractual obligations that would create a messy and expensive situation they have elected to mediate instead.

ANSWER

Mediation in the Case Study: Identifying Mediable Issues at Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses

Introduction

Mediation serves as a constructive alternative to litigation, providing a platform for parties to resolve disputes through facilitated negotiation and communication. In the case of Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses, an international company facing the challenge of replacing their current CEO, the Board of Directors has wisely chosen mediation as a means to address this issue while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with contractual obligations. This essay aims to identify the mediable issues in the scenario and frame them for discussion and negotiation, utilizing language that promotes a productive atmosphere for resolving the dispute.

Mediable Issues

 Leadership Style and Performance

The first mediable issue centers around concerns regarding the current CEO’s leadership style and performance. The Board may have observed certain deficiencies in the CEO’s ability to effectively steer the company towards its objectives (Gipson et al., 2017). Key aspects to be discussed could include decision-making processes, communication strategies, and the CEO’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. The Board should emphasize the impact of these issues on the company’s overall performance and seek to explore potential improvements that align with the company’s goals.

 Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing

Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses prides itself on ethically sourcing and manufacturing high-end cheese products. However, if there are concerns or doubts about the CEO’s commitment to these values, it becomes a crucial mediable issue. The Board should articulate the significance of ethical practices and emphasize the importance of maintaining the company’s reputation in this regard. The discussion can focus on ways to enhance transparency, strengthen relationships with local farmers, and ensure compliance with ethical standards throughout the supply chain.

Succession Planning and Leadership Transition

Given the Board’s desire to replace the current CEO, the issue of succession planning and a smooth leadership transition arises. It is essential to discuss the future vision for the company and the type of leadership required to achieve it (Perrenoud & Sullivan, 2016). The Board should outline their expectations for a new CEO, including qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company’s values. A structured approach to succession planning can be established, with the mediation process serving as an opportunity to explore potential candidates or develop a comprehensive hiring strategy.

Contractual Obligations and Cost Considerations

Although the Board wishes to replace the CEO, contractual obligations pose challenges, including potential legal disputes and financial implications. Mediation offers an opportunity to address these issues without resorting to litigation. The Board should highlight the benefits of mediation in terms of cost-effectiveness, confidentiality, and the preservation of relationships (Levy, 2017). By focusing on finding a mutually agreeable solution, the parties can explore alternative arrangements that satisfy both the company’s interests and the CEO’s contractual rights.

Conclusion

Mediation provides a constructive framework for addressing the mediable issues at Madame Fromage’s Fine Cheeses. By engaging in productive discussions and negotiations, the Board of Directors can navigate the challenges associated with replacing the CEO while preserving the company’s reputation and minimizing costs. Key topics of discussion include leadership style and performance, ethical sourcing and manufacturing, succession planning, and the management of contractual obligations. By framing these issues in a language that promotes understanding and collaboration, the mediation process can lead to a mutually satisfactory resolution, ensuring the company’s continued success in the high-end cheese market.

References

Gipson, A. N., Pfaff, D. L., Mendelsohn, D., Catenacci, L. T., & Burke, W. W. (2017). Women and Leadership. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 53(1), 32–65. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886316687247 

Levy, K. (2017). Book-Smart, Not Street-Smart: Blockchain-Based Smart Contracts and The Social Workings of Law. Engaging Science, Technology, and Society, 3, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.17351/ests2017.107 

Perrenoud, A. J., & Sullivan, K. (2016). Analysis of Executive Succession Planning in 12 Construction Companies. International Journal of Construction Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2016.1143892