2.3 Negotiation
We often describe the discussions we enter to resolve a conflict or disagreement as a negotiation. The goal of negotiation is to establish an agreement among the two parties that have a stake in the outcome. The resolution should offer stakeholders common or agreed-upon terms and understandings. Negotiations do not need to be contentious or disagreeable.
For example, we participate in a subtle form of negotiation when we ask a coworker to turn down the volume on their computer, wear less perfume, or consider another perspective when making a decision. We succeed in negotiation when we express our views and the coworker agrees to change their behavior or make an accommodation. Often, the other person was unaware they were causing any discomfort. They agree to change because they value working in a comfortable, inclusive work environment.
Read this article to explore how different communities respond to conflict.
Read this article for some general guidance on solving conflicts in the workplace.
Negotiations can be contentious and fraught with infighting, and can hurt feelings when one party does not believe the other is addressing their concerns fairly. However, the two parties can resolve their differences and restore peaceful operation when they find common ground or understanding.
For example, groups of workers may organize to form a coalition (or union) to negotiate for better working conditions or receive extra pay. In this case, the union steps in to negotiate on behalf of the workers. They may even threaten to strike or refuse to work until the employer agrees to meet their terms. These unions may push employers to create a more healthy work environment, such as by supplying special safety or protective gear or paying workers overtime in exchange for working extra hours. These steps can create a more healthy, productive workforce which benefits everyone.
Read this resource to review how American workers have created unions to fight for a better work environment since the 1860s. Workers' unions tend to get involved in political activities as they strive to promote better working conditions on behalf of their members with local, statewide, and national legislation. The negotiations union leaders undergo with companies on behalf of their members are called collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining describes the negotiation process workers' unions undertake with employers to regulate salaries, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers' compensation and rights. Read this article for more information and context on collective bargaining in the United States.