In the current world people, organization, states and regions view various aspects differently. This is mainly based of their interests, religion or even culture. This usually results to diverse opinions. In case different groups are doing something that need the attention of all parties, then the presence of differing opinions usually slows down the implementation. For the smooth running of the operations of the process, negotiations are very essential. There are many issues that are of common interest to different organizations all over the world.
These issues may include subjects like pollution and global warming. Such issues usually affect the whole world and combined efforts are necessary to reduce their effect. This is usually not the case as division usually arises due to contrasting opinions. This paper addresses negotiations with respect to international organizations or corporation, international acquisition and government to government lending. The paper also analyses the implication of globalization and technology on negotiations.
Negotiation is mainly based enhancing understanding among parties with varying opinions about a certain subject. Because disagreements are bound to happen, then the parties should have good negotiation skills. A good negotiator usually takes time to understand and analyze the other party’s point of view before drawing a conclusion. In case of disagreements, a mediator may be needed.
In undertaking negotiations, the parties’ goals as well as the goal of the subject matter should be considered. The negotiations should not be based on emotions. To ensure effective implementation of the negotiation process, there must be a strategy. The strategy usually provides guidelines on how to handle the situation. Adequate preparation for a negotiation is necessary and all the ideas and views should be collected. The best negotiation should provide a long term solution to the problem rather than a short term solution.
The reconciling body should identify the objectives. These should include both short term and long term objectives. These objectives should be derived from all aspects such as political, economic and social among others. To come to a good conclusion there is need to strike a balance between all the objectives.
The most pressing ones should be prioritized and a consideration of the available resources taken into account to ensure smooth running of the process. The different needs should be considered whether they are realistic or not. The parties should be dynamic and not static to their point of view. This usually hastens the process and thus allows the consensus to be reached easily.
Throughout the negotiation process, there should be a consideration on the probable consequences of failing to come to a consensus. This thus brings the need for alternatives. From the many lists of alternatives available, then the most suitable alternative should be given priority. The alternatives should be set aside even before the negotiations starts to be conducted. Because the outcome of any negotiation is not usually certain but based on a mater of probability, the parties should have an open mind on whatever the outcome may be.
This means that the predicted outcome may vary from the actual outcome. Setbacks can occur at any point of the negotiation. When they occur, it is usually good for the concerned parties to have prior information of such probability so that they are able to maintain their focus on the problem at hand.
Communication in negotiation is very crucial. It is thus very important to ensure that the information is presented in a way that it is understandable to all the participants. Incase a point is not clear to any of the members; it is good to rephrase it in a manner that everybody understands fully. In case of a large number of organizations or groups, each group can choose its spokesperson(s) that will air their views.
Some information is usually best revealed at specific points of negotiation. This usually helps to avoid unnecessary disagreements and arguments which may even paralyze the whole process. The presence of comments from outsiders is inevitable. These may include news agencies and their probable impacts should be taken into consideration. Thus it is important to be prepared in advance for anything that may happen during the negotiation process to ensure its smooth completion (BNET, 20101).
In the successful accomplishment of any negotiation, proper preparation is very necessary. This is because improper preparation could make the parties concerned to disagree completely which would lead to the termination of the negotiation and may cut short the probability of future negotiations.
Planning is usually facilitated by the use of negotiation plan. In designing the plan, various matters must be considered. These matters usually take into account the goals and various aspects to be encountered. In planning, the strategy to be followed should be well formulated and outlined to minimize the chances of any failure that may occur. The plan should be flexible and should take into account the factor of time.
It is usually good to understand the other parties in a negotiation. This should be on various aspects such as its objectives, goals and priorities among others. It is usually very wrong to make assumptions. In the case of using a mediator then he/she should not be inclined to any side.
It is also good to make the parties feel comfortable with the location of the negotiations. No party should feel disadvantaged about the location. The location should provide security and confidentiality to all. Every member involved should clearly identify their roles. The negotiation style adopted should be credible. Trust in the process is very important.
Globalization and technology play important role in negotiation. Globalization has resulted in various interactions between various organizations. This usually leads to conflicts of cultures or economic aspect but on the other hand provide a chance for mutual interaction.
Technology has improved communication and the means of tackling things. This has increased mutual interaction as well as helping overcome some minor wrangles that may have occurred. Technology and globalization have brought together different people who usually get to know about each other through social sites.
When conducting negotiation, in the presence of differences in language, an interpreter may be used. Some of the persuasion methods include communicating persuasively, self expression and storytelling. The negotiations are usually concluded with the summary of the agreements achieved which are written. After this the parties should complement each other for the various roles they have played (Baker & McKenzie, 2007).
Conclusion
The art of negotiation is very significant especially when people from different regions are in question. Negotiation makes it possible for crisis to be solved amicably. The art of negotiation demands that a lot of sensitivity should be observed especially when the process is on.
References
Baker K & McKenzie, M. (2007). The International Negotiations Handbook: Success through preparation, strategy and planning. Baker Mckenzia. Web.
BNET. (2011). Russia, China Get Tough with Social Media Companies to Avoid Unrest. Technology and Business. Web.