Employee Support for Unionization at Starbucks? A Peer-Influence Negotiation

Abstract

Workers’ personal perspectives on situations and the actions they take are shaped by their own experiences and preferences and through negotiated agreements with others. Employee Support for Unionization at Starbucks is a four-person negotiation exercise that reinforces skills of perspective-taking and listening within the context of peer influence with others who may or may not agree with them. Students review a scenario about a familiar context (a Starbucks store) and craft individualized perspectives based on assigned roles as a barista or shift leader. Students prepare negotiation plans to influence each other regarding whether to support unionizing efforts at their store. This small group exercise simulates how personal perspectives (priorities, positions, and goals) and peer relationships affect one’s approach and negotiation of key issues. The debrief explores relevant concepts and the impact of shared perspectives, emotions, and workplace relationships.