What Factors Affect the Strategic Objectives in a Negotiation?

Commonly understood factors affecting a negotiation include:

• Cognitive Disposition
• Communication Ability
• Trust, Relationships
• Ethics
• Multiple Parties in the Negotiation
• Cross-Cultural Nature of Negotiation
• Medium of the Negotiation

Each of these are discussed below.

Cognitive Disposition 

In later articles, we address the effect of cognitive disposition on the negotiation process. 

Logic is the starting point for negotiation strategy. That is, a party must understand the elements of a negotiation and a party's logical response to those elements. 

A party's perception of a negotiation and all of its contextual elements may change given any number of influences on the negotiator. 

Most notably, emotions can affect the strategic orientation of a negotiator. Specifically, emotions (or lack thereof) are known to influence an individuals behavior and alter or take the place of logic. In turn, they can alter the perception of interests. 

Emotions can also affect a negotiators self-belief or self-efficacy. 

Emotional intelligence is the ability of people (and negotiators) to understand emotions in themselves and others and to use this understanding to effect positive outcomes. 

Communication Ability

In later articles, we will discuss the communication process and how it affects the negotiation. In summary, negotiations are a communication exercise. This is the method by which negotiators carry out their strategies. 

Trust, Relationships, and Ethics affect Negotiations 

In later articles, we discuss the role of trust, relationships, and ethics in the negotiation. These are all personal factors that affect how negotiators interact. Each of these elements involve emotions and can affect ones objectives.

 In summary, individuals do not always act logically when affected by emotions. These factors can affect ones approach to and objectives in the negotiation. 

Ethics 

In later articles, we discuss the ethical considerations present in a negotiation. We explore how ethics can affect the negotiation process and outcome. 

Multi-party or Team Negotiation 

In later articles, we discuss team and multi-party negotiations. The team dynamics in a negotiation affect the strategy and tactics employed, as well as the interests or objectives in the negotiation. 

Further, the human element of team-based negotiation is the propensity to form coalitions in support or against others. These factors can affect the process and outcome of the negotiation. 

Cross-cultural Negotiation 

In later articles, we discuss cross-cultural negotiation. Individuals from diverse cultures may place differing levels of value upon the outcomes (interests or objectives) and process of negotiation. As such, culture stands to greatly influence the negotiation context and process. 

Medium of Negotiation 

In later articles, we explore negotiation through information technology. Negotiation is effectively an exercise in communication. Negotiation through a medium other than face-to-face can alter the context of the negotiation, as well as how other factors (such as ethics, trust, etc.) affect the negotiation. As such, a negotiator must adjust her strategy and tactics accordingly.

Related Topics

• What is Strategy in Negotiation?
• How does Motivational Orientation affect strategic orientation?
• What is a strategic objective in a negotiation?
• What are some strategic objectives associated with negative outcomes?
• What is the process for developing a strategic negotiation plan?
• What is Self Assessment when strategically planning a negotiation?
• How should you proceed to Assess the Other Party when strategically planning a negotiation?
• How do you Assess the Situational Aspects when strategically planning a negotiation?
• How do you assess the Social Context when strategically planning a negotiation?
• What other factors are understood to affect strategy in a negotiation?
• Power Tactics and Strategy in a Negotiation?
• Tactics aimed at persuading a counterparty?
• Tactics to facilitate bargain within the Zone of Potential Agreement?
• Dealing with Distributive Negotiation Tactics?
• Integrative negotiation tactics?