What should Barbara do next after her initial offer has been dismissed by the claimant?

When a claimant dismisses an initial offer, submitting a backup offer is a strategic step for Barbara. This allows her to show that she remains engaged in the negotiation process and is willing to find common ground. A backup offer can be framed in a way that acknowledges the claimant's concerns and seeks to address them, facilitating further discussion and demonstrating her commitment to resolving the issue amicably.

Moving to arbitration would be an entirely different process that typically involves a more formal and binding resolution, which may not be necessary at this stage. Telling a joke, while it might temporarily lighten tension, does not contribute constructively to the negotiation nor does it advance the conversation towards resolution. Remaining silent would halt communication entirely, which is counterproductive in a scenario where negotiation is still possible. By choosing to submit a backup offer, Barbara keeps the dialogue open and increases the chances of reaching an agreeable settlement.