Learning Unit 2 : A definition

Oxford Dictionary of Business English defines negotiation as

1. The process of trying to reach an agreement through discussion
2. A meeting where this discussion takes place.

The Winston’s Simplified Advanced Dictionary defines negotiation as “The discussion and bargaining which goes on between parties before a contract is settled or a deal is definitely agreed upon”.

According to Alan Fowler, “Negotiation is any form of meeting or discussion in which you and/or the persons you are in contact with use argument and persuasion to achieve an agreed decision or action”.

In simple words negotiation is to bargain for mutually agreed exchange by using persuasion and discussion

As Bill Scott says, “A negotiation is a form of meeting between two parties: Our Party and the Other Party”.

The Objective of most negotiations is to reach an agreement in which both parties together move towards an outcome which is good in their joint interest.