Dealation

Dealation is a term used in some negotiation theory and game design contexts to describe a process or outcome in which parties reach a collaborative agreement through structured concessions and transparent preferences. The concept emphasizes expanding the overall value of a deal (creating value) rather than merely dividing existing value (claiming value).

Origin and usage

The term is not widely standardized and does not appear in major dictionaries. It has appeared sporadically in online discussions, tabletop games, and speculative fiction to denote a principled, win-win negotiation approach. In these contexts, dealation often signals an emphasis on information sharing, mutually beneficial trade-offs, and durable commitments.

Applications

In negotiation pedagogy, dealation might be implemented through interest-based bargaining, multi-issue bargaining, and credible commitments to encourage trades that benefit all sides. In game design and simulations, it can describe mechanics that reward cooperative strategies and transparency, enabling players to reach agreements that improve outcomes relative to competitive play.

Limitations and criticism

Critics argue that the term can be vague and open to divergent interpretations, which can hinder empirical analysis. Because there is no universally accepted definition, applying dealation consistently across disciplines can be challenging and may risk conflating cooperation with other negotiation styles.

See also

Negotiation, dealmaking, win-win, cooperative games, game theory.