Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

French, from in- + passer to pass

French, from in- + passer to pass

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 19th Century]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 19th Century]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1a : a predicament affording no obvious [[escape]]  

*1a : a predicament affording no obvious [[escape]]  

2: an impassable road or way : cul-de-sac  

2: an impassable road or way : cul-de-sac  

==Description==

==Description==

A bargaining '''impasse''' occurs when the two sides negotiating an [[agreement]] are unable to reach an agreement and become deadlocked. An Impasse is almost invariably [[mutually]] harmful, either as a result of direct [[action]] which may be taken such as a strike in employment negotiation or [[sanctions]]/[[military]] action in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_relations international relations], or simply due to the resulting delay in negotiating a mutually beneficial [[agreement]].

A bargaining '''impasse''' occurs when the two sides negotiating an [[agreement]] are unable to reach an agreement and become deadlocked. An Impasse is almost invariably [[mutually]] harmful, either as a result of direct [[action]] which may be taken such as a strike in employment negotiation or [[sanctions]]/[[military]] action in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_relations international relations], or simply due to the resulting delay in negotiating a mutually beneficial [[agreement]].

Some [[theorists]] contend that impasses are used by negotiating parties in situations of imperfect [[information]] as a [[method]] of signalling to the other side the seriousness of their position.  Impasse provides a credible signal that a party’s position is [[genuine]] and not merely an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambit_claim ambit claim].

Some [[theorists]] contend that impasses are used by negotiating parties in situations of imperfect [[information]] as a [[method]] of signalling to the other side the seriousness of their position.  Impasse provides a credible signal that a party’s position is [[genuine]] and not merely an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambit_claim ambit claim].

Impasse may also arise if parties suffer from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-serving_bias self-serving bias]. Most disputes arise in situations where [[facts]] are able to be [[interpreted]] in multiple ways, and if parties interpret the [[facts]] to their own benefit they may be unable to accept the [[opposing]] party’s claim as reasonable. They may believe the other side is either bluffing or acting unfairly and deserve to be "punished".

Impasse may also arise if parties suffer from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-serving_bias self-serving bias]. Most disputes arise in situations where [[facts]] are able to be [[interpreted]] in multiple ways, and if parties interpret the [[facts]] to their own benefit they may be unable to accept the [[opposing]] party’s claim as reasonable. They may believe the other side is either bluffing or acting unfairly and deserve to be "punished".

As bargaining impasse is mutually harmful, it may be beneficial for the parties to [[accept]] binding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbitration arbitration] or mediation to settle their dispute, or the [[state]] may impose such a solution. Indeed, compulsory arbitration following impasse is a common feature of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_relations_law industrial relations law] in the United States and elsewhere.

As bargaining impasse is mutually harmful, it may be beneficial for the parties to [[accept]] binding [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbitration arbitration] or mediation to settle their dispute, or the [[state]] may impose such a solution. Indeed, compulsory arbitration following impasse is a common feature of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_relations_law industrial relations law] in the United States and elsewhere.

The word impasse may also refer to any situation in which no [[progress]] can be made. A [[stalemate]] in chess is a common example.

The word impasse may also refer to any situation in which no [[progress]] can be made. A [[stalemate]] in chess is a common example.

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]