Each person must want to reach an agreement peacefully. Negotiation is a formal process which occurs between two or more groups whose needs and objectives differ but which wish to reach an agreement. Since this is an interpersonal process, each negotiation is different and is influenced by each party s aptitudes and style. The parties present in a negotiation are not necessarily equal. For example, parents and children can negotiate about meal times.
Employers can negotiate with employees about work conditions.
And since governments and parents have more power than children and employees, we say that the parties are not equal. The group approach is more informal. This approach is most often used within one group. For example, we can settle our differences among friends. Nonetheless, the group approach can also be used between two groups.