Using Negotiation Exercises to Promote Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

Many writers argue it is necessary to develop critical thinking skills in business students because these skills are needed to deal with the complexities of real life problems. While the goal appears to be laudable, it is not always clear how to go about achieving it. In this article we discuss active learning experiences in a course on Business Negotiations that serve the dual purpose of teaching students to negotiate as well as sharpen their critical thinking skills. In the current atmosphere of resource constraints, it is unlikely that separate courses can be set up for improving critical thinking skills. A course on Business Negotiations, suitably designed to incorporate appropriate active learning experiences, has been found to be a way to promote higher order thinking skills.