‘ZOPA’

If you’re involved either in a negotiation or a mediation, you need to understand the concept of ‘ZOPA’.

1. ZOPA is an acronym that stands for ‘zone of possible agreement’. Any negotiation or mediation is at least two sided. Of course, there may be more than two parties.
2. If so, the zone for possible agreement shrinks mathematically as the number of shared workable options decreases.
3. One of the ways of visualizing the range of shared workable options is by plotting them geometrically using a ‘venn diagram’. The image posted above is a venn diagram involving three negotiating parties.
4. Using a venn diagram not only helps organize the negotiation. It also reminds everyone of the real possibilities of reaching a workable agreement that meets as many needs as possible.
5. A venn Diagram provides a framework for analysis and avoids left field thought.