{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/compare-the-offer-with-an-alternative-you-can-actually-take",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-1000",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Compare the offer with an alternative you can actually take",
  "summary": "Your fallback needs a next step, not just an impressive name.",
  "kind": "template",
  "body": "Write what you would actually do without this agreement, including its costs and uncertainties. Compare the whole proposed package with that alternative. A hoped-for offer is not the same as an available one, and an improved headline number may still buy a worse overall arrangement.",
  "limits": [
    "Do not invent competing offers or threaten an exit you cannot afford. An alternative can weaken as circumstances change."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "work-04-negotiation-options"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-9C6984F2DA4965E4"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "A BATNA is the alternative available if the current negotiation does not produce an agreement, rather than a desired result inside that negotiation.",
      "source_id": "RS-9C6984F2DA4965E4",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "An imagined opportunity is not equivalent to an available alternative; switching costs and uncertainty must be considered.",
      "locator": "Opening definition"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "The pressure to reach agreement is making an unattractive offer look inevitable."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Do not invent competing offers or threaten an exit you cannot afford. An alternative can weaken as circumstances change."
  ],
  "example": "A remote consultant compares a new engagement with continuing an existing one, including hours, payment reliability and travel requirements.",
  "check": "The alternative has a credible execution path and the comparison includes the terms that actually matter.",
  "template": "Available alternative: [option]. Evidence it is available: [evidence]. Switching cost and uncertainty: [cost]. Minimum acceptable package: [threshold]. Next step if there is no agreement: [action].",
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-9C6984F2DA4965E4",
      "title": "What is a BATNA?",
      "url": "https://www.pon.harvard.edu/tag/batna/"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-1000",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-1001",
      "type": "use_before",
      "url": "/knowledge/offer-several-packages-you-would-genuinely-accept"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-28A6D332BD245B5A",
      "title": "Negotiate more than the number",
      "url": "/collections/negotiate-more-than-the-number"
    }
  ]
}