The Influence Of Power On Principled Negotiation: A Study Of Structural Approach To Interest Based Negotiation

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to assess the influence of asymmetrical power relations on seven elements framework of principled negotiation: interests, options, legitimacy, alternatives, communications, relationship and commitment. This study has aimed at analyzing co-relation between structural approach to negotiation and interest based negotiation. This study has also aimed to explore the measures to overcome the structural impediments in international negotiations. The study has assessed that the asymmetrical power in the negotiation influences on every element of principled negotiation. While both strong and weak parties have been found to have equal reciprocal effects on the communication and relationship elements, the stronger have been explored to have greater influence on other five elements. The study has analyzed the co-relation between the structural approach and principled negotiation and found that the co-relation is primarily exclusive but can be transformed into inclusive as well. The variables like power capabilities, bargaining capacities, negotiation strategies and tactics, the contexts and the idiosyncrasies of the negotiators are found to have determining role to shape the nature of co-relation. These variables have been analyzed to have a key role in transforming the co-relation into inclusive one. The study has explored that with the application of bargaining tactics and strategies, the influence of asymmetrical power relations could have been avoided. Equipping the negotiators with tactful strategies has been explored to have significant role in overcoming the structural impediments in the international negotiations. The study has conceptualized that the asymmetric power relations tend to lead the negotiations to Pareto-optimal outcomes when bargaining capacity variable prevails over the power capability. The study has analyzed the Cuban Missile Crisis and found it one of the most appropriate examples of how power confrontation can be settled down in a peaceful resolution by mutually exploring and addressing the interests of the parties in negotiation. The study has concluded that the optimal outcomes can be generated even out of asymmetric power relations with the careful application of co-operative strategies and tactics by the weaker parties.