The four horsemen of power at the bargaining table

Purpose - This paper aims to identify and discuss four major sources of power in negotiations. Findings - The four sources of power are alternatives, information, status and social capital. Each of these sources of power can enhance a negotiator's likelihood of obtaining their ideal outcome because power allows negotiators to be more confident and proactive, and it shields them from the bargaining tactics of their opponents. Practical implications - The paper discusses how negotiators can utilize each source of power to improve their negotiation outcomes. Originality/value - The paper provides a parsimonious definition of power in negotiations, identifies the four major sources of negotiator powers and highlights two pathways by which power affects negotiation outcomes.