Computer-Assisted International Negotiation: A Tool for Research and Practice

This article describes a web-based computer-assisted tool for diagnosing progress in international negotiation. Following a discussion of the need for such a tool, we provide the research sources for its development, present the model on which it is based, describe how it works, and present the resu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Group decision and negotiation 2002-05, Vol.11 (3), p.231-256
Main Authors: Druckman, Daniel, Ramberg, Bennett, Harris, Richard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bargaining
Collaboration
Communication networks
Computer science
Computers
Decision making
Design
Diplomatic & consular services
Flexibility
Information technology
International
Internet
Negotiations
Software packages
Studies
Systematic review
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Summary:This article describes a web-based computer-assisted tool for diagnosing progress in international negotiation. Following a discussion of the need for such a tool, we provide the research sources for its development, present the model on which it is based, describe how it works, and present the results of attempts to validate its diagnoses with case materials. Focusing on flexibility in negotiation, the program consists of questions divided into five categories: issues, parties, delegations, situation, and process. The questions track to variables shown in published studies to influence flexibility. Answers to the questions are processed according to algorithms that include weights derived from the results of a statistical meta-analysis of bargaining studies. An example of the question-answer format and computations leading to the diagnoses are provided. A help function that provides advice for resolving impasses is also described. Strong correspondences between diagnoses generated by the program and actual outcomes obtained in a number of cases attest to the validity of the approach. The article concludes with ideas for further development stimulated by the web-based version of the program. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0926-2644
1572-9907
DOI:10.1023/A:1015281906202