COMMUNICATIONWeeks to result

Handicap System in Negotiations

Negotiate with handicaps

Problem it solves

poor communication

Best for

Union-management bargaining, business negotiations

Not ideal for

Simple, low-stakes negotiations

Overview

Why this framework exists

The handicap system in negotiations refers to the idea that each side's cost of waiting determines how the pie will be split. The party with the lower cost of waiting has an advantage in the negotiation. This framework generalizes to include negotiations with no predetermined last period and can be applied to various scenarios, such as union-management bargaining and business negotiations.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The cost of waiting determines the split of the pie.
  2. The party with the lower cost of waiting has an advantage in the negotiation.
  3. The handicap system can be applied to various scenarios, including union-management bargaining and business negotiations.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Determine the cost of waiting for each side
    Calculate the cost of waiting for each side, including any outside income possibilities or alternative options.
    Pro tipConsider the time value of money and the potential consequences of delayed agreement.
    WarningFailing to accurately determine the cost of waiting can lead to an unfavorable negotiation outcome.
  2. Apply the handicap system
    Use the cost of waiting to determine the split of the pie, with the party having the lower cost of waiting having an advantage in the negotiation.
    Pro tipBe prepared to negotiate and make concessions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
    WarningFailing to apply the handicap system can lead to an unfair or unfavorable negotiation outcome.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Union-management bargaining

In a union-management bargaining scenario, the union's cost of waiting is $300 per day, while the management's cost of waiting is $500 per day. Using the handicap system, the union would have an advantage in the negotiation.

OutcomeThe union would likely receive a more favorable agreement, with a higher share of the pie.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to determine the cost of waiting
Not accurately determining the cost of waiting can lead to an unfavorable negotiation outcome.
Not applying the handicap system
Failing to apply the handicap system can lead to an unfair or unfavorable negotiation outcome.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of the handicap system in negotiations is rooted in game theory and has been applied to various real-world scenarios, including union-management bargaining and business negotiations. The idea is that each side's cost of waiting determines how the pie will be split, with the party having the lower cost of waiting having an advantage in the negotiation.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
Open source →