End result ethics, also known as "outcome ethics," is a philosophical approach to morality that focuses on the consequences of actions rather than the actions themselves. In the context of negotiation, end result ethics can be a useful way to evaluate the morality of a given outcome, as it allows us to consider the impact of the agreement on all parties involved.
One of the main advantages of end result ethics in negotiation is that it allows us to take into account the well-being of all parties involved. In any negotiation, there will be trade-offs and compromises made, and end result ethics allows us to consider the net impact of these trade-offs on all parties. For example, if one party is able to secure a larger share of the profits in a business deal, but only by sacrificing the long-term sustainability of the venture, end result ethics would suggest that this outcome is not morally desirable.
End result ethics can also be useful in helping us to avoid unethical behavior in negotiation. By focusing on the consequences of our actions, we can ensure that we are not taking advantage of others or acting in ways that are harmful to them. This can be especially important in negotiations where there is a power imbalance, as those with more power may be tempted to use it to their advantage.
One potential drawback of end result ethics in negotiation is that it can be difficult to predict the long-term consequences of a given agreement. It may be easy to identify a single outcome as being morally desirable, but it can be more challenging to anticipate how that outcome will affect other parties or the broader community. This can make it difficult to apply end result ethics consistently in negotiation, as we may not always have a clear sense of how an agreement will play out in the long run.
Overall, end result ethics can be a useful approach to evaluating the morality of an agreement in negotiation. By focusing on the consequences of our actions, we can ensure that we are not acting in ways that are harmful to others and that we are considering the well-being of all parties involved. While it may not always be easy to predict the long-term consequences of a given agreement, end result ethics can help us to make more ethical decisions in negotiation.