Introduction To Pre-Negotiation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Introduction To Pre-Negotiation - Essay Example According to William Zartman, a leading scholar of international negotiations, Pre-negotiation begins when one or more parties considers negotiation as a policy option and communicates this intention to other parties. It ends when the parties agree to formal negotiations, or when one party abandons the consideration of negotiation as an option. In essential terms, pre-negotiation is the span of time and activity in which the parties move from conflicting unilateral solutions for a mutual problem to a joint search for cooperative multilateral or joint solutions. It is the diagnostic phase of negotiation. (Dr. Plamen Pantev., Negotiating in the Balkans: The Pre-negotiation Perspective. National Security and the Future Volume One, Number 1, 2000). Jane Gross Stein has differentiated between the pre-negotiation and actual negotiation, 'Pre-negotiation was generally characterized by important structuring activity. It set broad boundaries, identified the participants, and, in at least half the cases, specified the agenda for negotiation. Even in those cases where it produced only a rough outline of the agenda, it nevertheless reduced uncertainty and complexity by establishing what would be kept off the table. In every case, pre-negotiation framed the problem and set the limits of the negotiation to follow. According to Brain W. ... iation includes identification of the problem, search for the feasible option, and reflect commitment towards negotiations, agreement to negotiate, and setting the parameters. (Dr. Plamen Pantev, Negotiating in the Balkans: The Pre-negotiation Perspective. National Security and the Future Volume One, Number 1, 2000). STAGES OF PRE-NEGOTIATION Irrespective of the nature of the dispute, the mediator and facilitator struggles to help the parties to reach an understanding with reference to procedural and structural questions, before the commence of formal negotiation process. This practice has several advantages as it provides the parties with sense and chance of success on the preliminary round. It is important to workout the procedural and structural questions so that the reluctant party can be understood the worth and significance of the practice and association. The objective of the pre-negotiation is to acquire the commitment of the parties to negotiate their differences and concerns. The objective is achieved by identifying the eliminating the obstacles to negotiations. There can be series of differences and obstacles which are likely to hinder the pace and prospects of pre-negotiation. The main hindrance is often that the parties fail to organize the negotiation in the required manner. There is possibility of existence of differences which is likely to turn the group unable to organize itself and present a consistent set of interests. Another obstacle is likely to be the lack of credible representative or spokesperson on the behalf of respective parties. There are likely to be many other substantial hurdles prior to the commencement of negotiation. Similarly the opening phase of the negotiation is likely to be problematic as well. Problems can be experienced