Synopsis 

This is a multi-issue intercultural negotiation simulation. The setting is the Grand Bazaar (or covered market, Turkish: Kapalı Çarşı) in Istanbul, Turkey (currently known as Türkiye). Two French entrepreneurs who design jewelry and have an online business, are looking for highly competent goldsmiths to produce their fine jewelry collection. Their vision is to create fine jewelry, that is both nostalgic and edgy.

A few months ago, with the help of a Turkish friend and after an exhaustive search, they discovered a close-knit group of Armenian goldsmiths who have a workshop inside the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. The French were impressed with the work of the Armenians and after a few inquiries, were eager to work with them and reach an agreement.

The French do not speak Turkish. However, Turkish is the language the Armenians use in their daily business interactions. The two parties need to communicate via an interpreter who is Turkish but has lived in Paris for many years. Although it is obvious that the two parties need language translation, when they begin the negotiations, they may realize they also need cultural translation.

Roles: 3 -5 students

Duration: 60 minutes

Academic level: Undergraduate, Masters, and MBA