WHY PARTIES CHOOSE TO NEGOTIATE

The list of reasons for choosing to negotiate is long. Some of the most common reasons are to:

1. Gain recognition of either issues or parties;
2. Test the strength of other parties;
3. Obtain information about issues, interests and positions of other parties;
4. Educate all sides about a particular view of an issue or concern;
5. Ventilate emotions about issues or people;
6. Change perceptions;
7. Mobilize public support;
8. Buy time;
9. Bring about a desired change in a relationship;
10. Develop new procedures for handling problems;
11. Make substantive gains;
12. Solve a problem.