Negotiation is a strategic discussion aimed at resolving an issue in a way that is acceptable to all parties involved. It involves a give-and-take process where each party may need to make concessions to reach a mutually agreeable solution¹². Negotiations can occur in various scenarios, such as between buyers and sellers, employers and prospective employees, or even between governments².

The Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School defines negotiation as a "back-and-forth communication designed to reach an agreement when you and the other side have some interests that are shared and others that are opposed." It's an interpersonal decision-making process necessary whenever objectives cannot be achieved single-handedly¹.

Interests: The fundamental drivers of negotiation, representing our basic needs, wants, and motivations.
Options: Possible agreements or proposals that parties can consider.
Alternatives: Other courses of action if the negotiation fails.
Legitimacy: Objective standards or criteria that can be used to justify decisions.
Communication: The exchange of information between parties.
Relationship: The type of relationship between parties and how it might affect the negotiation.
Commitment: The level to which parties are committed to the agreement¹.