​Focal Points in Negotiation is the first work of its kind to analyze the use of focal points beyond the controlled setting of the laboratory or the stylized context of mathematical game theory, in the real world of negotiation. It demonstrates that there are many more ways focal points influence real life situations than the specific, predetermined roles ascribed to them by game theory and rational choice. The book establishes this by identifying the numerous different, often decisive, modes in which focal points function in the various phases of complex negotiations. In doing so, it also demonstrates the necessity of a thorough understanding of focal points for mediators, negotiators, and others. A scholarly work in nature, Focal Points in Negotiation is also suitable for use in the classroom and accessible for a multidisciplinary audience.

This paper theoretically and experimentally examines the anchoring effect of focal points in successive negotiations with different bargaining structures. Two variants of the Nash bargaining game that possibly end in conflict are constructed, which strongly incentivize the players to coordinate using focal points. The effect of two focal points is investigated--the bargainers' power, which determines their expected payoffs if the negotiation breaks down and conflict breaks out, and their endowment, which defines the status quo. The experimental results show that the players demonstrate a high degree of rationality with respect to their demands and backdown decisions. Systematic and solid evidence demonstrates that, in the experimental setting, the focal point “power” has an anchoring effect, while the focal point “endowment” does not. These results indicate the limited role of the legitimacy of ownership in bargaining.

Describes a method of negotiation that isolates problems, focuses on interests, creates new options, and uses objective criteria to help two parties reach an agreement.

Combining insights in negotiation research with the tactics used by some of the world's leading business strategists, Bargaining for Advantage is a practial guide to becoming a more effective negotiator. Richard Shell explores the hidden psychology and patterns that govern every bargaining situation. Driven by stories about everything from hostage taking and high stakes business deals to everyday encounters, this work offers a step-by-step approach that draws on your own communication style to make you a skilful negotiator.

A Guide to Negotiation and Mediation is written in a progressive, building-block fashion, moving from simple to more complex ideas. The first section covers basic negotiating strategies, concepts, and tactics; the next discusses cognitive and psychological aspects of negotiation. The book goes on to explore elements that may complicate negotiations-in particular coalition-formation and bargaining for constituencies-and concludes with a chapter on negotiation preparation and planning. Published under the Transnational Publishers imprint.

This volume examines the point where the concepts and practices of escalation and negotiation meet.

Applied game theory in purchasing has become an important tool in many companies for systematically achieving success in negotiations. The central building block of game-theoretically optimized awards are purchasing auctions. A basic knowledge of auctions and game theory is therefore particularly important for purchasers. This book describes very clearly many helpful methods as well as their application in practice. Procurement situations which have a high volume, which are interesting for suppliers and whose performance can be well specified are particularly suitable for the use of game theory in purchasing. It also shows how cartels or restrained competition between suppliers can be identified using a purely data-based method. Every purchase involves a sale. The book is therefore not only aimed at buyers. Auctions in procurement and the underlying game-theoretical principles also play an equally significant role for sellers.Applied game theory in purchasing has become an important tool in many companies for systematically achieving success in negotiations. The central building block of game-theoretically optimized awards are purchasing auctions. A basic knowledge of auctions and game theory is therefore particularly important for purchasers. This book describes very clearly many helpful methods as well as their application in practice. Procurement situations which have a high volume, which are interesting for suppliers and whose performance can be well specified are particularly suitable for the use of game theory in purchasing. It also shows how cartels or restrained competition between suppliers can be identified using a purely data-based method. Every purchase involves a sale. The book is therefore not only aimed at buyers. Auctions in procurement and the underlying game-theoretic principles also play an equally significant role for sellers.

Strategic Negotiations for Sustainable Value is a guide to learning how to conclude lasting business deals that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable in an international business context. Managers today need to negotiate with multiple stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, agencies, governments and authorities, to be able to access the resources that they need. Creating and capturing sustainable value is not a fixed entity but rather the outcome of long and time-consuming negotiations that affect further negotiations. Providing illustrative international case studies throughout each chapter, this book explores: the strategic challenges that managers face in their markets today; the practical, analytical tools that needed to create and capture value that is sustainable; the behavioral biases and cognitive errors in strategic negotiations; the various ways by which negotiators manifest their business agreements in contracts; the managerial implications of strategic negotiations. The book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in negotiation, business administration, management, or related courses such as business marketing, and customer or key account management. It is equally valuable to industry professionals, managers involved in negotiating with customers, suppliers or partners and those pursuing professional qualifications or accreditation in marketing, sales or management.

Value Negotiation: How to Finally Get the Win-Win Right examines the complicated world of negotiation and provides a simple and practical approach in helping negotiators learn how to consistently deliver the highest possible value at the lowest possible risk in the widest range of situations. The textbook consists of three parts: in Become a Negotiator, challenge yourself to rethink your foundations and assumptions about negotiation, in Prepare for Negotiation, find out how to choose a negotiation goal and strategy, and anticipate critical moments during negotiation and in Negotiate!, uncover how you can connect with negotiating parties, work towards gaining mutual value, and finally, make the best possible decision. In each part, a wide variety of dialogues, scenarios, discussion questions and exercises have been specially designed to prepare you for commonly experienced situations and settings in negotiation. For university professors, adopting the Value Negotiation book entitles you to request a comprehensive Instructor’s Package that includes an Instructor’s Manual and a set of teaching slides.

“Negotiation: Science and Practice” is a university-level textbook and lecture series designed to teach effective skills and techniques in negotiation. It provides scientifically tested tools that allow anyone to construct and implement the best possible negotiation strategies, in any negotiation scenario. From this pack, students, like yourself, learn the art, science and practice of influence, as well as how to construct optimal agreements, whether you are negotiating a settlement in a legal dispute, a contract to sell a business, a ceasefire in a conflict zone, the sale of your own home, a price rise of the goods or services your company provides, a wage dispute with a powerful union or even an amendment to legislation. The lectures in this textbook are as follows: Lecture 1: Negotiation dynamics (available in full, for free, in the “sample”) Lecture 2: Preparation for negotiation Lecture 3: Evaluation techniques Lecture 4: Influence Lecture 5: Cognitive biases, heuristics, errors and effects Lecture 6: Group dynamics Lecture 7: Logic and creativity Lecture 8: Parachutes, problems and tricks Lecture 9: Culture, human nature and individual difference Lecture 10: Enforcement mechanisms Lecture 11: Ethics, lying, the law and why good people do bad things Lecture 12: Alternative dispute resolution Lecture 13: Conflict This book contains: - A comprehensive lecture series (outlined above) - Week-by-week multiple choice questions (100+ pages) - Detailed answers and explanations to all week-by-week questions (50+ pages) - A mid-semester exam - A comprehensive reference glossary (200 pages) - Full academic abstracts to complement critical references (aiding a more detailed understanding and facilitating further exploration of the science behind each technique) - The most comprehensive examination of the psychology of negotiation available, with clear examples of how it can be used to achieve desired outcomes - The most comprehensive description of common “dirty tricks” in negotiation and how to respond to them - Detailed explanations of the law and how it affects you as a negotiator; including important case summaries - Step-by-step explanations of how to calculate the ‘need-to-know’ numbers in all negotiations