Compromise

The compromise (from Lat. Copmromissum - something promised to each other) is by definition from the Dictionary of Polish Language:

• the agreement reached by mutual concessions
• exceptions to the rules, assumptions or opinions in the name of important goals or for practical benefits

According to common notions compromise is a form of agreement between at least two parties, based on mutual concessions. Author of Sociology, Georg Simmel pointed out that it is one of the two basic forms of ending the conflict. A compromise has to deal with the conflict. People can not reach an agreement, if previously there was not a conflict. An alternative way to end the conflict is victory of one of the parties, accompanied by a failure of the other party

Characteristics of compromise

Compromise is an alternative to fighting until there is a winner and loser. It is also an alternative to the cost of social, economic and moral conduct of the fight to a final settlement. At the core of the compromise is the fact that the award, which is the subject of the conflict can be compensated. Compensation awards can take two forms. Many prizes can be subdivided, you can decide on the distribution of proceeds or division of lands, you may come to the conclusion that either party in dispute has proved their point. If the prize is indivisible (for example, one important decision can be resolved only "yes" or "no"), the losing party can obtain moral, political or material compensation. Compromises therefore require special skills: it consists, first and foremost, on the ability to see that compromise is possible at all, and on the difficult art of distributing prizes or determining appropriate compensation in such a way that it does not become a hotbed of new conflicts

Origin of compromise

The sphere of trade and exchange of goods can be considered a cultural and historical background of reaching a compromise. Each business transaction or exchange of goods is based on a compromise after all. From the perspective of cultural history compromise is a pattern of behavior noticeable among middle class and merchants in Middle Ages, the model developed during the market situations. Compromise has not in itself pathos, is devoid of knightly virtues and dignity, does not follow the standard of fighting to the end, but skows the cleverness and sense of profit optimization. Although a compromise, to avoid the costs of further rolling conflict, involves costs of other kinds. From the point of view of modern continuation of the chivalric ethos, a compromise as a solution to the conflict is not connected with a determined final which would be a victory or defeat. In this perspective, a compromise is inherently suspected as a result of excessive appeasement, not without reason, civilization has coined the saying about the " rotten " compromise. Making own compromises involves additional justifications and excuses, it is a lesser evil, forced by circumstances

Choice between fight and compromise

Choosing between struggle and compromise and patterns of perception of these two forms of conflict resolution, are influenced by deeply-established and comprehensive systems of normative attitudes, ethoses. From the point of view of the chivalric ethos, compromise is an unworthy and common behavior, as are trade or deriving profit from lending. On the other hand, moving the mercantile mentality on the level of basic decisions, you would say that the choice between struggle and compromise may be the result of calculation of costs and benefits. In some situations, the struggle pays off, even when associated with a high risk of severe defeat, in other situations - more, perhaps it pays to compromise. Which way is more profitable in certain circumstances? Asking such questions suggest that the course of conflicts can be controlled by reason...

Examples of Compromise

• A compromise between two parties to settle a dispute or disagreement without going to court. For example, a legal dispute between two companies could be resolved through a compromise, where both parties agree to a settlement that is mutually beneficial.
• A compromise between two political parties to reach a compromise on a particular issue. For example, when a bill is being voted on in Congress, both parties may have to compromise on certain aspects of the bill in order to come to an agreement.
• A compromise between two countries to reach a diplomatic agreement. For example, when negotiating a trade deal, two countries may come to a compromise on certain trade barriers or tariffs in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
• A compromise between two people to reach an agreement on a personal matter. For example, two friends may come to a compromise on who will pay for dinner or what movie to watch.
• A compromise between two businesses to reach an agreement over the terms of a contract. For example, two companies may come to a compromise on the terms of a contract, such as the duration of the contract, the pricing of services, and any other relevant details.

Advantages of Compromise

Compromise is a solution that allows both parties to benefit from the agreement, even if they have to give up certain expectations. It is an important tool in conflict resolution, as it allows two parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The following are some of the advantages of compromise:

• Compromise helps to avoid a stalemate, as it allows both parties to reach a solution that is acceptable to both of them. It prevents the situation from escalating and allows for a peaceful resolution.
• Compromise helps build trust between the two parties. As both parties work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, they learn to trust one another and work better together in the future.
• Compromise encourages creativity, as both parties are forced to think outside the box to find a solution that works for both of them. This can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions.
• Compromise also encourages collaboration, as both parties work together to find a solution that works for both of them. This can lead to better relationships between the two parties.
• Finally, compromise can help to prevent further conflict in the future. As both parties are able to come to an agreement, it eliminates the risk of further disputes in the future.

Limitations of Compromise

A compromise is an agreement between two or more parties, in which each party makes concessions in order to settle a dispute or reach an agreement. However, there are certain limitations to the effectiveness of compromise. These include:

• Power Imbalance: If one party has significantly more power than the other, the weaker party may not feel secure that the compromise will be carried out.
• Lack of Trust: If the parties do not trust each other, they may not be willing to negotiate.
• Emotional Attachment: If one of the parties is emotionally attached to a certain issue, they may not be willing to make the necessary concessions.
• Time Constraints: If one of the parties has a tight deadline, they may not be able to negotiate a satisfactory compromise.
• Unclear Agreements: If the terms of the agreement are not clearly defined, the parties may find themselves locked in a stalemate.
• Rigid Positions: If the parties are unwilling to make any concessions, or if their positions are too rigid, there may be no room for a compromise.
• Legal Ramifications: If the compromise is not in accordance with the law, it may not be possible to reach an agreement.
• Inability to Compromise: If the parties are unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, the compromise may not be successful.

Other approaches related to Compromise

Compromise is an agreement between two or more parties in which each side agrees to take a less desirable outcome than they would have liked in order to settle a dispute. It is a way of resolving conflicts in which all sides have to make concessions in order to reach a mutually beneficial result. Other approaches related to compromise include:

• Collaborative problem-solving: This approach to resolving conflict involves both parties working together to come up with a solution that is acceptable to both of them. It requires open communication and active listening in order to truly understand the needs and desires of both people involved.
• Negotiation: Negotiation is a process in which two or more parties try to reach an agreement on a particular issue. It involves both parties making offers and counter-offers, and coming to a mutually-agreed upon outcome.
• Mediation: Mediation is a process in which a neutral third-party helps the two parties involved in a dispute to come to an agreement. It can involve the mediator offering advice, suggesting solutions, and helping the parties to communicate more effectively.
• Arbitration: This is a form of dispute resolution in which the parties involved in a dispute agree to have an impartial third-party make a binding decision on the outcome of the dispute.

In summary, compromise is an agreement in which all sides make concessions in order to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. Other approaches related to compromise include collaborative problem-solving, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Compromise — recommended articles

Negotiation style — Sales techniques — Negotiation — Gharar — Management by conflict — International negotiations — Disadvantages of team work — Cross-cultural leadership — Contract documents

References

• Hamel, G., Doz, Y. L., & Prahalad, C. K. (1989). Collaborate with your competitors and win. Harvard business review, 67(1), 133-139.

Author: Agnieszka Czepiec