June 1, 2013

New Research Shows that Asking for a Precise—Not Round—Number During Negotiations Can Give You the Upper Hand



With so much on the line for job seekers in this difficult economic climate, a lot of new hires might be wondering how — or whether at all — to negotiate salary when offered a new position. A recently published study on the art of negotiation by two professors at Columbia Business School could help these new hires — and all negotiators — seal a stronger deal than before.

Research conducted by Professors Malia Mason and Daniel Ames and doctoral students Alice Lee and Elizabeth Wiley finds that asking for a specific and precise dollar amount versus a rounded–off dollar amount can give you the upper hand during any negotiation over a quantity.