Integrative complexity in face-to-face negotiations between the Chiapas guerrillas and the Mexican government

Abstract

For the first time, integrative complexity (IC) levels were examined in the verbatim transcription of a face-to-face negotiation (between the Chiapas guerrillas and the Mexican government in the spring of 1995). Results showed that: (1) such interactive exchanges can be scored reliably for IC; (2) daily mean IC levels were positively related to negotiation progress (as judged by the press); (3) afternoon negotiation sessions tended to show lower IC, presumably because of fatigue; (4) government negotiators' comments were effective in influencing the IC of the other parties, but not vice versa; and (5) the government's representatives obtained the highest IC scores, the mediators almost as high, and the insurgents were lowest. Various empirical and theoretical issues related to the use of IC scoring are discussed. © 2005 International Society of Political Psychology.