In the theory of negotiations, the best alternative to a negotiated agreement or BATNA (no deal option) refers to the most advantageous alternative that a party can take if negotiations fail and no agreement can be reached. WATNA (worst alternative to a negotiated agreement) is quite the opposite of this option. BATNA could include several situations, such as the suspension of negotiations, the transition to another negotiator, the appeal of the court`s judgment, the organization of strikes and the formation of other forms of alliances. [1] BATNA is the main concern and driving force of a successful negotiator. A party should generally not accept a resolution worse than its BATNA. However, it is important to ensure that transactions are accurately assessed, taking into account all considerations such as relational value, the present value of the money and the likelihood that the other party will live up to the bargain. These other considerations are often difficult to assess because they are often based on uncertain or qualitative considerations and are not easily measurable and quantifiable. The performance of your BATNA gives you the leverage to ask for more. If you don`t get what you`re looking for, then you can turn to your best alternative. A strong BATNA is like a hot and fuzzy insurance.

A strong alternative offers you two possibilities. Either they make an agreement on more advantageous terms, or you just say “no business” because you have a good alternative plan. Keywords: negotiating table, BATNA, batna definition, Batna negotiations, best alternative to a negotiated agreement, bruce patton, Dealmaking, always yes, always negotiation agreement, Guhan Subramanian, batna importance, in negotiations, negotiated agreement, negotiation agreement without bids, negotiation, negotiating information letter, negotiating skills, negotiating strategies, negotiating table, negotiation theory, , ury, what is batna, what is batna, what is batna, william ury your BATNA or the ability to identify the best alternative of a negotiator to a negotiated agreement, is part of the many information sought by negotiators in formulating dealmaking and negotiating strategies.