N10 Multiple parties and teams

Chapter 10 Multiple parties and teams

Multiple parties and teams in this chapter, we examine how dynamics change when groups, teams, and task forces have to present individual views and come to a collective agreement about a problem, plan, or future course of action.

One theme that runs through all forms of multiparty negotiation is the need to actively monitor and manage negotiation process situations that are significantly more complex than two-party negotiations. There is a brief set of questions that any participant in negotiations involving coalitions, multiple parties, or teams should keep in mind:

:  What are the consequences of the parties failing to agree due to the increased complexities? What happens if there is no agreement?

:  How will the parties involved actually make a decision? That is, what decision rules will be used? Why are these the best possible rules?

: How can the parties use iterations-multiple rounds of discussion-to achieve their objectives?

: Do we need a designated chair or facilitator? Should it be a neutral outsider, or can one of the parties fill this role? What tactics can a facilitator use to manage group process in order to ensure that the best decision is reached?