What is one potential impact of extreme opening offers in negotiations?

Extreme opening offers in negotiations often serve as a strategic tactic to anchor the discussion. By presenting a significantly higher or lower figure than what is expected, a negotiator is able to shift the reference point for the negotiation significantly. This initial extreme offer can compel the other party to perceive the need to make concessions in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable position.

When one party makes an extreme offer, it might prompt the counterpart to respond with a counteroffer that is closer to what they actually desire, thereby narrowing the gap between both parties’ positions. This dynamic can foster a sense of movement toward compromise, as each party may adjust their expectations based on the apparent extremity of the proposals on the table. Therefore, extreme opening offers can indeed lead the other party to make concessions while trying to bring the negotiation to a more reasonable outcome.