Gender and Negotiation Behaviour

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Rather than attempt to find a definitive link between gender and negotiation behaviour, one should explore the concept that gender is a multi-faceted dimension influencing negotiation. In previous associations, it is evident that the situation of the negotiation is what determines the way negotiators approach tasks and form their expectations and goals (Kray & Babcock 2006). Negotiation behaviour, for this reason, is traditionally context derived as opposed to gender influenced. However, it arguable that gender can alter the negotiation context and by these means influence negotiator behaviour. Therefore behaviour is not static in nature, but instead, dynamic and sensitive to situational context (Small et al. 2007). Consequently, an interdependent and concurrent relationship is established between gender, context and negotiation behaviour. Previous research links gender and negotiation by outlining the differences found in the negotiation outcomes and attributes this to the difference of gender; however, a more current view should interpret this correlation as having multiple causations. Therefore, contemporary research complements the idea that gender is not a unilateral factor influencing negotiation behaviour, but an area that is dependent on and, manipulated by multiple factors. Furthermore, this modern interpretation of gender in negotiations is used in this essay to highlight the link between gender and negotiation behaviour.

Gender is commonly viewed as an individual characteristic forming one’s identity, behaviour and perception of themselves (Wharton 2009). This concept builds a narrow view of gender being an isolated determinant in negotiation behaviour. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish that gender in this r...

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