Communication Is Important in Negotiation - Essay Example

The functions of communication are another feature that is important within the context of the negotiation process. Facilitation of the exchange of ideas and opinions between the negotiating parties is one of the functions of communication in negotiation. The functions of communication interact with other features such as the rules and the objectives of communication to influence the achievement of the goals of the negotiation. Chronemics is a non-verbal feature of communication that interacts with the willingness and commitment of the negotiating parties to resolve their conflict. Chronemics encompass aspects such as punctuality and patience that are crucial to the successful completion of every stage of the negotiating process (Wood, 2008).
Finally, intentions are an important feature of communication that can affect the direction and success of the negotiation. Intention interplays with interpretation because most negotiators assume that whatever their opponent does or says is purposive and is meant to communicate something. As such, there is a need for negotiators to be fully aware of their intentions when saying or doing something at every stage of the negotiating process to avoid being construed inappropriately (Wood, 2008).
Part 2
Nicholas Anderson’s post of May 19, 2014
Nicholas Anderson’s post is an insightful piece that presents quite accurate information on the modes of communication. The idea that written communication helps make up the shortcoming of verbal communication to come out as abrasive is correct because the person communicating has more room to read and correct what he or she has written wrongly. His assertion that verbal communication is the mode of communication that many people are familiar with is acceptable. However, he overlooks the idea that it takes much interest and attention to catch sadness or happiness in a person’s voice because some people do not announce these things explicitly but only imply them. Anderson’s idea on visual communication is helpful but its only weakness is a lack of details on the different categories of visual communication that apply in the negotiation process (Wood, 2008).
Kendall McClanahan’s post of May 19, 2014
McClanahan is quite a on point with the idea that some skills and styles are needed to communicate successfully. It is also insightful to know that there is a likelihood of misunderstanding a message due to a lack of clarity in communication. It is desirable to note that clarity is something that is attained gradually but it would be helpful if McClanahan added that there is a need to put in a deliberate effort in improving one’s clarity of communication. This is because learning how to communicate effectively is not entirely passive and spontaneous, it requires the learner to be proactive (Wood, 2008).
In conclusion, communication is an integral element of negotiation and its effectiveness influences the success of the negotiation process. Read More