Escalation threatens strike resolution, say researchers

New research has added more gloom to the threat of strikes by showing how the emotional strain of protracted negotiations can lock rivals on a path to mutual destruction. According to experiments by experts at The University of Nottingham, the human psychological factors associated with "long-winded, escalating bargaining" increase the chance of disaster for both sides. Behavioural economists from Nottingham University Business School reached the conclusion after devising a series of tests based on the well-known game of 'chicken'. Their findings come as union and government officials continue talks to prevent massive industrial action by public sector workers sparking an 'autumn of discontent'. Study co-author Swee-Hoon Chuah said: "Most people know 'chicken' as a game in which two cars speed towards each other until one driver swerves or both crash. "Similar scenarios have long been used in experimental economics to explore people's strategic behaviour in real situations — for example, superpower or industrial relations. "But the 'chicken' game captures only the final stage of the brinkmanship and escalation that have gone before, which is why we developed an 'escalation' game.