Web-Based, Interactive, Interest-Based Negotiation Training for Managing Conflict in Isolated Environments: Opportunistic Study With an e-Survey

• Published in: JMIR Formative Research
• Main Authors: Jennifer Fleischer, Jeff Ayton, Maree Riley, Kim Binsted, Devin R Cowan, Abigail M Fellows, Jeff A Weiss, Jay C Buckey
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: JMIR Publications 2023
• Subjects: Medicine; R; Antarctic; Antarc*; Australian Antarctic Program
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2196/42214; https://doaj.org/article/5534ebc03962439780cc8a1ccc05e4c2

BackgroundEffective negotiation in relationships is critical for successful long-duration space missions; inadequate conflict resolution has shown serious consequences. Less desirable forms of negotiation, including positional bargaining (eg, negotiating prices), can exacerbate conflicts. Traditional positional bargaining may work for simple, low-stakes transactions but does not prioritize ongoing relationships. High-stakes situations warrant interest-based negotiation, where parties with competing interests or goals collaborate in a mutually beneficial agreement. This is learnable but must be practiced. Refresher training during conflicts is important to prevent out-of-practice crew members from using less effective negotiation techniques. Training should be self-directed and not involve others because, on a space mission, the only other people available may be part of the conflict. ObjectiveWe aimed to develop and test an interactive module teaching principles and skills of interest-based negotiation in a way that users find acceptable, valuable for learning, and enjoyable. MethodsUsing a web-based, interactive-media approach, we scripted, filmed, and programmed an interest-based negotiation interactive training module. In the module, the program mentor introduces users to “The Circle of Value” approach to negotiation and highlights its key concepts through interactive scenarios requiring users to make selections at specific decision points. Each selection prompts feedback designed to reinforce a teaching point or highlight a particular negotiation technique. To evaluate the module, we sought populations experiencing isolation and confinement (an opportunistic design). This included 9 participants in isolated, confined environments in the Australian Antarctic Program and the Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation Mars simulation, as well as a subset of people who self-identified as being isolated and confined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback was collected from participants (n=54) through ...