Which term describes a negotiation strategy in which differences are minimized, smoothed over, or suppressed (lose-win approach)?

• A. Active listening
• B. Accommodation
• C. Adjourn
• D. Agenda

Answer: (B)

When differences are minimized, smoothed over, or suppressed in a negotiation, one party yields to the other to protect the relationship. This is accommodation. It’s a lose-win approach: the accommodating party sacrifices their own needs to satisfy the other side, often to maintain harmony or avoid conflict. It can be useful in the short term or when preserving the relationship is more important than winning, but it can lead to dissatisfaction if overused. Active listening helps you understand the other side better and can support constructive dialogue, but it isn’t about giving in. Adjourn means to end or postpone the discussion, and an agenda is simply the plan of topics to cover.