Negotiation philosophy: background, competing style, and avoiding style

¶ … Negotiation Style

In life one of the most common techniques that are used for sorting out a wide variety of conflicts is negotiation. This is when two parties are communicating with each other in order to reach an acceptable outcome. However, with each negotiator there are unique styles that are used to deal with the various challenges that they are facing. To fully understand the different styles, we have completed the self-assessment questionnaire. This will allow us to determine what techniques can work most effectively for us based upon the responses and personality traits.

Competing Style

The competing style is when the arbitrator is self-confident and assertive about seeing the results achieved during this process. The way that this is accomplished is by pushing both sides to make some kind of offer in an effort to come to an agreeable solution. As a result, this basic approach is highly assertive and lacking any kind of cooperation. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

Avoiding Style

This is when the negotiator will try to avoid any kind of conflicts. The way that this is accomplished is through: passing responsibility onto another party or failing to make an honest attempt to resolve the situation. This style of negotiation is considered to have lower amounts of aggressiveness and cooperation. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

Collaborating Style

This approach is when the negotiator will seek out innovative solutions as a part of an effort to satisfy the both sides. As they are looking for alternatives, that can address the problem and create a workable agreement. This style of negotiation is considered to be assertive and aggressive. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

Accommodating Style

This is when the negotiator will play down: any kind of difference between the two parties and they will emphasize the similarities of each side. As the basic idea, is to show how everyone wants to have the same results with slight variations. In this case, the levels of assertiveness are low. While the overall amounts of cooperation are high among the various parties. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

Compromising Style

This is when the negotiator is trying to find some kind of middle ground that will satisfy both parties. As, this will more than likely involve some kind of give and take in order to come to an agreeable solution. In general, there are moderate amounts of assertiveness and cooperation. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

The Assertive Index

The assertive index is designed to tell how aggressive a negotiator is in exercising their authority and control over the situation. Where, they will more than likely place increasing amounts of pressure on both parties to come to a solution when there is an impasse. This is provided that a particular approach rates high in utilizing this technique. While at other times, there will be little to no amounts of assertiveness in dealing with these issues. As a result, this tool is measuring the total amounts of aggressiveness that will be exercised by arbitrators at any point in time. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

The Cooperative Index

The cooperative index is designed to show the total amounts of cooperation that will be necessary to successfully resolve a situation. Under this basic approach, each theory measures those levels that must be obtained from each party. In some cases, these amounts will be higher in order to achieve the larger organizational objectives. While at other times, they can remain fairly low. This is important, because it is illustrating another tool that can be used to effectively decide what strategy should be utilized during the negotiation process. ("Negotiating Style," 2011)

When you step back and analyze the responses to the survey, it is clear that the negation theory that I am embracing is the compromising style. This is because, I rated highest in certain attributes that are most important during the process to include: the ability to make both side comfortable, the desire to create a win -- win solution and taking steps to ensure that the arbitration runs smoothly. Once this occurs, is when the odds improve that we will be able to address any kind of issues and resolve the situation.