Mediation in business; what is the balance in business vs. values in negotiation?

In negotiation, the balance between business and values can be a delicate one. On one hand, it's important to consider the financial and strategic goals of a company, as well as the needs of its stakeholders. These business considerations can often be quantified and measured in terms of things like revenue, market share, and return on investment. On the other hand, values can play an important role in negotiations as well. For example, a company may have a strong commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, or ethical business practices. These values can shape the way a company approaches negotiations and can be used to guide decision-making and set boundaries for what is and isn't acceptable. In practice, the balance between business and values can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes, the interests of a company and its values may align, making it easy to negotiate in a way that is consistent with both. However, in other cases, there may be trade-offs that need to be made. For example, a company may be faced with a decision to either accept a deal that would generate significant revenue but is inconsistent with the company's values, or to walk away from the deal and forgo the potential revenue. Ultimately, the key to balancing business and values in negotiation is to be clear about what a company's goals and values are, and to be transparent and consistent in the way those goals and values are expressed and pursued. It's also important to have a good understanding of the other party's goals and values and to try to find common ground. To be open to have a collaborative and win-win negotiation can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties. It's not always easy, but by approaching negotiations in a thoughtful and strategic way, it is possible to find mutually beneficial agreements that align with a company's business goals and values. Géza Lauturner is a senior executive in a global IT company, management consultant, and a registered mediator out of passion and conviction, more at www.lauturner.at .