NCJ Number
106603
Journal
Negotiation Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1987) Pages: 167-173
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
While the metaphor of winning in negotiations is frequently used, it is not only inappropriate but dangerous when applied to negotiation.
Abstract
Winning implies losing, and is inherently sum-zero in nature. The metaphor of winning is appropriate for power struggles but inappropriate for other means of solving conflicts, particularly cooperative solutions such as problemsolving or other forms of integrative bargaining. It is argued that scholars and practitioners should scrupulously question, and in most cases avoid, the notion of winning. The notion of winning is a metaphor that has the power and potential to create tunnel vision and lead people to visualize conflicts in counterproductive ways. It is suggested that concepts such as synergy or symbiosis might provide better themes than competition for visualizing the ongoing and interdependent process of negotiation.