UCSC

The Interest Based Approach (IBA) to Problem Solving and Decision Making

What is the Interest Based Approach?

The IBA (also called "win-win," "principled" or "mutual gains" negotiation) is a non-adversarial means of making decisions, solving problems and negotiating solutions. It calls for the parties to a disagreement to focus on their interests and values (why something is important to them) rather than on their positions (what their preferred solutions or strategies might be). It includes the key recognition that human relationships require as much attention as the substantive content.

Principles & Assumptions

  • Focus on issues not personalities
  • Focus on interests not positions
  • Create options to satisfy mutual and separate interests
  • Evaluate options with standards (jointly developed criteria) not power
  • Principled bargaining enhances relationships
  • Mutual gains are possible
  • Open discussion expands mutual interests and options

How could we get started?

  • Agree on who needs to be in the discussion.
  • If a multi-stakeholder group, convene a steering committee reflecting the full range of their interests and form a core group to guide the process.
  • Agree on what a successful outcome might look like.
  • Develop ground rules, in particular, how key decisions will be made.
  • Build a common understanding of what the issue or problem is through sharing information, story telling, personal interviews, joint data collection & analysis.
  • Secure an experienced facilitator to help you structure and facilitate the process.

Where can I learn more?