Title: Decision-Making Delay | Beyond Intractability
Headings: Decision-Making Delay
Decision-Making Delay
Delay and its Implications
Delay in U.S. Systems
Unavoidable Delay
Ways to Avoid or Block Delaying Tactics
Additional Resources

Content: Ways to Avoid or Block Delaying Tactics
In cases where a decision is taking a long time there are two key ways to break the deadlock -- both have to do with increasing the pressure on all parties to reach an agreement. One way to push negotiations toward agreement is to set an actual deadline by which a decision must be reached or the negotiations will be terminated. [ 5] The other is to shape your opponents' perceptions of the cost of delay or manipulate the actual costs of delay. Setting a deadline can have a related effect on a party's perception of costs. Though in some cases time limits present the same pressures to both sides, it is often the case that a deadline may be asymmetrical, meaning that the costs of delay are higher for one side than the other. Thus, it is possible to force a settlement if you can convince your opponent that you have unlimited time to spend on the issue (indefinite delay) and that their costs will be affected. [ 6] If the cost of a long delay is too high for them, they are likely to give in and come to an agreement. There are three strategies for intentionally manipulating the costs of delay in negotiation. The first tactic is to organize some form of disruptive action that will increase the cost of delay for your opponent. [ 7] This will let them know you do not intend to sit back and allow them to delay the final decision.