An American buyer is negotiating with a British supplier for the purchase of raw
materials for production of heavy machinery in the U.S. Before exchanging any
information pertaining to the business of the meeting, he spends a few minutes talking
to the British negotiator on topics such as World Cup soccer, the recently concluded
general elections, and the fickle English weather. The American buyer is engaging in
the first stage of a business negotiation known as:
A. persuasion.
B. nontask sounding.
C. setting an agenda.
D. assessment of business terms.
E. appraisal of current affairs.
Which of the following should ideally be the first step in the settlement of a dispute?
A. Using the strategy of conciliation.
B. Engaging in arbitration.