Questioning and Negotiating

Gathering information is a basic human activity – we use information to learn, to help us solve problems, to aid our decision making processes and to understand each other more clearly.

Although there are numerous reasons for asking questions the information we receive back (the answer) will depend very much on the type of question we ask.

Negotiation is a method by which people settle differences.  It is a process by which compromise or agreement is reached while avoiding argument.

In any disagreement, individuals understandably aim to achieve the best possible outcome for their position (or perhaps an organization they represent).

Negotiation is a means of resolving differences between people.  In the process of negotiation, not only are different opinions are taken into account, but also individual needs, aims, interests and differences in background and culture.

Misunderstanding is a common cause of negotiations breaking down.  Such breakdowns may occur due to differences of viewpoint, background or cultures as well as many other factors. In negotiation especially it is possible not to ‘hear’ what others intend to say due to lack of assertiveness on the part of the other person or ineffective listening.