The Harvard concept is a method of substantive negotiation developed and published in Harvard by Roger Fisher and William Ury in the early 1980s. The Harvard concept aims to bring about a win-win situation as a result of negotiations; the focus is on the highest possible mutual benefits. The Harvard concept is the foundation of mediation.
It consists of four basic principles:
- Distinguish between the issue and the person.
- Focus on interests, not positions.
- Develop options for mutual benefit.
- Rate the options according to objective criteria.
