To compromise is to make a deal where someone gives up part of, or all of its demand. In arguments, compromise is a concept of finding agreement through communication, through a mutual acceptance of terms—often involving variations from an original goal or desire. Extremism is often considered as antonym to compromise, which, depending on context, may be associated with concepts of balance, tolerance. In the negative connotation, compromise may be referred to as capitulation, referring to a "surrender" of objectives, principles, or materiale, in the process of negotiating an agreement. In human relationships "compromise" is often said to be an agreement that no party is happy with.

Cultural background and influences, the meaning and perception of the word "compromise" may be different: In the UK, Ireland and Commonwealth countries the word "compromise" has a positive meaning (as a consent, an agreement where both parties win something); in the USA it may rather have negative connotations (as both parties lose something).

[edit] Studies in compromise

Defining and finding the best possible compromise is an important problem in fields like game theory and the voting system.

Research has indicated that suboptimal compromises are often the result of negotiators failing to realize when they have interests that are completely compatible with those of the other party and settle for suboptimal agreements. Mutually better outcomes can often be found by careful investigation of both parties' interests, especially if done early in negotiations. ^[1]

[edit] See also

• Missouri Compromise (USA)
• Compromise of 1850 (USA)
• Compromise of 1867 (Austria-Hungary)
• Argument to moderation
• Constitution

[edit] References

1. ^ Thompson, Leigh; R. Hastie (1990). "Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes (Issue 47)". Social perception in negotiation. Academic Press. pp. 98–123. http://www.leighthompson.com/publications/pub90d.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-17.