INTRODUCTION

Ethics refers to a set of moral principles or values that govern a person's behavior or the conduct of an
activity. It involves distinguishing between right and wrong, and making decisions based on principles
such as honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Ethics guides individuals and organizations in
determining what is morally acceptable and appropriate in various situations. Negotiation is a process
where two or more parties with different objectives or preferences discuss and ultimately agree on a
mutually acceptable outcome. It involves communication, compromise, and sometimes strategic
maneuvering to reach a deal that satisfies everyone involved.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHICS AND NEGOTIATION

Ethics play a crucial role in negotiation, shaping how parties interact, perceive each other, and strive for
mutually beneficial outcomes. Ethics and negotiation are two things related to each other and this
relationship can be seen as follows:

Trust and Integrity: Ethical negotiations prioritize honesty and transparency, fostering trust between
parties. This trust is essential for creating lasting agreements and maintaining relationships beyond the
negotiation table.

Fairness and Equity: Ethical negotiators strive for fair outcomes that consider the interests and needs of
all parties involved. This approach helps in avoiding exploitation and ensures that agreements are
perceived as just and equitable.

Mutual Respect: Ethics in negotiation emphasize respecting the dignity and rights of all participants.
This involves listening actively, valuing diverse perspectives, and refraining from tactics that could
manipulate or coerce the other party.

Long-term Relationships: Ethical behavior builds the foundation for long-term relationships, as parties
are more likely to collaborate again if they feel respected and fairly treated during negotiations.

Social Responsibility: Negotiators may consider broader ethical implications beyond immediate
outcomes, such as environmental impact, community welfare, or adherence to legal standards.

CONCLUSION

Generally speaking, ethics in negotiation go beyond mere compliance with rules; they shape the process
and outcomes to foster trust, fairness, respect, and sustainable relationships among negotiating parties.

MISTAKES IN NEGOTIATION
A mistake is an action, decision, or judgment that is misguided, incorrect, or erroneous. It generally
refers to something that deviates from what is considered right, proper, or accurate in a given context.
Mistakes can range from minor errors with minimal consequences to significant blunders that have far-
reaching impacts. Negotiation as seen above is a process where two or more parties with different
objectives or preferences discuss and ultimately agree on a mutually acceptable outcome. It involves
communication, compromise, and sometimes strategic maneuvering to reach a deal that satisfies
everyone involved. Mistakes in negotiation refer to errors, misjudgments, or missteps that occur during
the process of negotiating with another party. These mistakes can vary in nature and impact, but
generally, they involve actions or decisions that hinder the negotiation process or lead to less favorable
outcomes than could have been achieved with better strategy or execution.

AVOIDING MISTAKES IN NEGOTIATION

Avoiding mistakes in negotiation means taking proactive steps to minimize errors or missteps that could
hinder the negotiation process or outcomes. Avoiding mistakes in negotiation involves several strategies
to ensure clarity, effectiveness, and successful outcomes. In achieving this it requires some key
approaches and these include the following:

Preparation: Thoroughly preparing for the negotiation by researching the other party, understanding
their interests, identifying your own priorities, and anticipating potential challenges.

Clear Communication: Ensuring clarity and transparency in communication throughout the negotiation
process to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Listening: Actively listening to the other party to understand their concerns, priorities, and underlying
interests, which helps in formulating mutually beneficial solutions.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Being flexible and adaptable to changes in the negotiation dynamics or
unexpected developments without compromising on core interests.

Managing Emotions: Keeping emotions in check to maintain a professional and constructive negotiation
environment, avoiding reactive or impulsive decisions.

Seeking Win-Win Solutions: Striving for outcomes that are beneficial to both parties, fostering a
collaborative approach rather than a confrontational one.

Awareness of Legal and Ethical Boundaries: Ensuring that negotiation tactics and strategies adhere to
legal requirements and ethical standards, avoiding actions that could lead to legal liabilities or
reputational harm.

Learning from Past Experiences: Drawing lessons from previous negotiations to identify recurring
mistakes and improve negotiation skills over time.
Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Understand the underlying needs and motivations behind each
party's positions. This allows for creative problem-solving and finding solutions that address everyone's
interests.

Build Trust: Trust is essential in negotiations. Be honest, transparent, and reliable in your interactions to
foster a positive negotiating environment.

CONCLUSION

In concluding is that, through focusing on these principles, negotiators can enhance their effectiveness,
build stronger relationships with counterparts, and achieve more favorable outcomes while minimizing
the risk of making critical mistakes during negotiations.

REFERENCE
Books

Prakash A. (2010). Collective action in Conflict Management. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Saz-Carranza A (2012). Conflict Management Skills in Community Development: New York: Routledge.

Journals

Chin, John J. "Strategies in Conflict Management in the Community." Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
Quarterly 47, no. 1 (July 24, 2017): 27–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0899764017721060.

Online sources

https://blog.amputee-conflict.org/press-release/press-release-amputee-management-releases-limb-
loss-community-needs-survey-find