Darling, Thomas A. with George P. Richardson, "A Behavioral Simulation Model Of Single And Iterative Negotiations", 1990
ua435
A simple simulation model demonstrates that the outcome of a negotiation may critically be affected by (i) the structure of the negotiating problem -- the joint distribution of negotiators’ evaluations of potential settlements; and (ii) the negotiators’ tactical approach to the problem -- the decision rules that guide the choice of concessionary offers made during the bargaining process. Hampered by cognitive limits and faced with imperfect information about the other party’s interests, negotiators may relay on simple heuristics in choosing among possible concessions during the negotiating process. The model of single negotiations is extended to examine how the outcome of one negotiation may impact future negotiations. Focusing on two negotiator interests -- concern for self and concern for fairness -- the model shows how adjustments in tactical decision rules from one negotiation to the next sometimes leads to an unwarranted deterioration in the parties’ relationship.