Modeling resource allocation negotiations

Resource allocation problems occur when fixed, limited resources must be allocated among competing alternatives. Disputes arise when decision-makers disagree about relative priorities among objectives. The structure of a resource allocation problem refers to characteristics of its feasible settlement space and efficient frontier. These characteristics define the opportunities the problem affords and the constraints it imposes on negotiators. Models of resource allocation problems were constructed under different assumptions concerning negotiators´ judgmental preferences. The analysis demonstrated that structure is a function of both (a) the negotiators´ preferences and (b) the level of available resources. Three procedures for resolving resource allocation disputes were simulated. Results suggested that different procedures may or may not lead to the same settlement, depending on problem structure. A procedure may favor one negotiator at one level of resource availability, but a different negotiator at another level