Coping with the Litigious Society -- Harvard Negotiation Workshop

Abstract

The aim of this article is to introduce readers to some aspects of practical education in the art of negotiation offered at Harvard Law School, by drawing from my own experience at Negotiation Workshop in January 1985. It is unreasonable to expect that participants who undergo three weeks of the Workshop will produce instantaneous results, but those who take part in intensive practical training in principled negotiation are armed with the ability to hone their skills in using the method for years to come. It is not difficult to imagine that this costly, time-consuming practical education requiring tremendous effort fosters future leaders with a very strong aptitude for negotiation. As a nation whose population perceive themselves as inept negotiators, Japan should seriously consider rolling out a similar program.

Keywords: negotiation, education, Harvard Law School, Negotiation Workshop, Program on Negotiation