What is the best way to arrange the conference room or office in which negotiations are to take place? Consider not only furniture arrangement but also the distance between items.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

No single best way exists to arrange a conference room or office, since the
optimum arrangement changes from situation to situation. When making arrangements
for a competitive relationship, keep in mind the following considerations.
a. Prevent distractions. Eliminate phone calls.
b. Do not sit in a position that suggests subordination or equality to your opponent.
Sit at the head of a table or behind a desk.
c. Have supporting material (flipcharts, computers, and writing tables) ready.
d. Prominently display status artifacts.
e. Sit face-to-face with a moderately wide space between you and your opponent.
f. If you wish to induce stress, move closer physically and maintain eye contact.
In situations where you would like to create the impression of cooperation, sit side-by-
side or at right angles. Remove the physical barriers separating you and the other party.
Allow more space between you and the other negotiator.