Negotiation comprises a series of communications between or among the parties.
Each of the parties who participate in negotiation may be a principal , or an agent for a human principal or for a legal entity such as a corporation. Negotiation may be straightforward and quick, if the wishes of all parties are satisfied by the first proposal put by one of them. Where the wishes of all parties are not satisfied by the first proposal, discussions are likely to lead to variations to it, or the creation of counter-proposals. This process will generally be quicker if the parties provide information to one another about their wishes. In some cases, it is possible for a proposal to be generated which satisfies the needs of all parties.