Introduction to the Handbook of Group Decision and Negotiation

The ability to reach informed and appropriate collective decisions is probably a prerequisite for civilization, and is certainly a valuable asset for individuals and for all types of organizations. The use of formal procedures for reaching a collective decision is often recommended, and it is widely accepted that collective decision-making can be “improved” by a systematic approach, or by the right kind of group support. Group Decision and Negotiation (GDN) is the academic and professional field that aims to understand, develop, and implement these ideas in order to improve collective decision processes. The aim of this Handbook is simple: Make the methods, conclusions, and products of Group Decision and Negotiation research and practice widely available in a form suitable for practitioners, students, and researchers.