Negotiations with Asymmetrical Distribution of Power

Negotiations are of increasing importance in highly regulated sectors, particularly in network industries such as telecommunications and transport. Negotiating partners in these markets are often not equal with regard to their various sources and instruments of power. This analysis shows that negotiations are possible and can be efficient for all actors, even when power is distributed asymmetrically. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms are discussed as an alternative to conventional negotiations.In many ways, complex negotiations shape the business arena of regulated network markets. In general, negotiating partners are not equal with regard to their various sources and instruments of power. This book unfolds a differentiated and, at the same time, applicable framework for analyzing and managing negotiations. It creatively combines power and negotiations theories. In addition, it illustrates the findings in a very inspiring way by investigating negotiation episodes in network industries such as telecommunications and railways. Thus, this book is highly relevant for all those wanting to better understand the complex political processes and outcomes in regulated industries, but also for those bearing practical responsibility in regulatory and government affairs and wanting to improve their management performance.§Prof. Dr. Dres. h.c. Arnold Picot, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany§In regulated sectors negotiations and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms should play a more important role in the future. This book makes an important contribution to that development.§Dr. Peter Knauth, Federal Minstry of Economics, Germany§Anyone seriously engaged in complex negotiations will benefit from this book.§Prof. Dr. Ingo Vogelsang, Boston University, USA