In settlement negotiations, the first offer is often designed to be undesirable to create a reference point for later offers. Which statement best describes how people typically respond?

• A. Will typically accept a second offer
• B. Feel empowered when given a choice
• C. Are naturally suspicious of an initial offer
• D. Are easier to manipulate with choices

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that giving people a sense of control through options changes how they respond in negotiations. When an initial, less attractive offer is framed as just one choice among others, people feel they have a say in how things unfold. That perception of control makes them more engaged, more willing to consider concessions, and more open to continuing the discussion toward settlement. The first offer also acts as an anchor that shapes how subsequent offers are judged, but the most consistent, general reaction people have to having a choice is feeling empowered. The other statements describe possible outcomes in some cases, but they don’t capture this common effect of perceived control on negotiation behavior.