Negotiation is an important aspect in day to day businesses and also in the lives of people. It is worth noting that this is also an aspect of communication, and as such needs to be well perfected so as to prevent confusion and misunderstandings when dealing with negotiations. The essay below looks at this issue with more detail.
Negotiation Strategies
Question 1:
Smith’s perspective relates to the modern day negotiation. From the statement, it can be seen that the animals have no ability to put the interests of others in consideration, but they just propagate their will. However, as observed by Mindtools (2012) humans have the ability to go about their issues so that a win-win situation results for everyone. It is this aspect that makes it possible for people to engage in negotiations, since they have the ability to accommodate each other.
Question 2:
Colorado.edu (1998) has it that in a negotiation, there is the need for an understanding as to what both parties need. In such a case, it is important to define the interest of each group so as to avoid confusion. Failure of deriving a proper definition can lead to confusion where the negotiation process is hindered, since the terms of the agreement are not clear.
Question 3:
Changing Minds (20120 indicates that there are three stages to a negotiation. These are opening or the statement of terms, the bargaining process and the conclusion or agreement. It is important that this process is observed all through the negotiation. The main reason as to why the process is rigid is that there is no one time when the negotiation can kick off before the terms are stated. Juggling in between the process can lead to a state of confusion where the parties might fail to understand each other comprehensively.
Question 4:
Martin (2007) indicates that face to face communication is very vital when dealing with negotiation processes. Unless this is perfected, the whole process could be jeopardized. Since this form of communication is at the foundation of a negotiation, it is imperative to have a mastery of the processes involved, as this holds the key as to whether the process is successful or not. As such, people need to be well versed with these skills. It also applies in real life communication. For instance, there was once a time when I had a disagreement with my friend whom I had wronged. I owned up and even sought to apologize, but as I did it, I failed to observe eye contact. As a result, my apology was rejected. If only I had known of the face to face communication, I probably could have avoided such a confrontation.
Question 5:
Jackol (2010) brings the understanding that BATNA is an acronym for Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement. Having this in mind, I figure that I could not go to battle without a contingency plan, since I need to be aware of the risks involved as well as my expectations. It therefore means that I must formulate my BATNA plan since without it I could take anything that comes my way. It is no wonder that the saying goes that if you stand for nothing you fall for anything. To avoid this, I have to be sure of the options I have. Of course, I would never share my plan with the opposite side, just in case they take it against me. This remains as my plan which I have to use to my advantage during the negotiation.
References
Changing Minds. (2012). Three-Stage Negotiation. Retrieved on 15th June 2012 from http://changingminds.org/disciplines/negotiation/three-stage/three-stage.htm
Colorado.edu. (1998). Confusing Interests. Retrieved on 15th June 2012 from http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/problem/intpos-p.htm
Jackol. (2010). Why is BATNA Important? Retrieved on 15th June 2012 from http://www.negotiationskills.com/qaprocess12.php
Martin, C. (2007). The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication at Work. Retrieved on 15th June 2012 from http://www.cio.com/article/29898/The_Importance_of_Face_to_Face_Communication_at_Work
Mind Tools.com. (2012). Win-Win Negotiation. Retrieved on 15th June 2012 from http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/NegotiationSkills.htm
