This document discusses characteristics of negotiation situations and the role of conflict in negotiations. It provides an overview of key concepts in three main points:
1. There are common characteristics to all negotiation situations, including multiple parties with conflicting interests who negotiate to find agreement rather than fight or give up. Successful negotiations involve resolving tangible and intangible issues.
2. Conflict can have both beneficial and dysfunctional effects on negotiations. It may promote problem-solving but can also lead to distorted perceptions if escalated.
3. Different levels of conflict exist, from internal personal conflicts to complex intergroup disputes, and the structure of interdependence between parties shapes negotiation outcomes.