CIPS L5M15 Exam - Topic 1 Question 3 Discussion

Actual exam question for CIPS's L5M15 exam

Question #: 3
Topic #: 1

[All L5M15 Questions]

What is the primary purpose of a negotiation?

ATo win.

BTo reach an agreement.

CTo beat the other team.

DTo get a better price.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Negotiation is defined by CIPS as a structured process between two or more parties aiming to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. While improving value or terms is often a goal, the essence of negotiation is achieving agreement, not victory over the other side.

by Johnna at Nov 01, 2025, 05:48 AM

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Val

15 hours ago

A is too aggressive. It's about collaboration.

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Art

6 days ago

Agreed! Winning isn't everything.

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Coletta

11 days ago

I think it's B. Reaching an agreement is key.

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Dana

16 days ago

I disagree, it's not just about beating the other team.

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Ruth

21 days ago

D) To get a better price is a big part too!

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Stephaine

26 days ago

Surprised people think it's just about winning!

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Ira

1 month ago

I think it's more about A) To win.

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Winifred

1 month ago

A) To win. Screw the other team, I'm here to dominate!

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Silva

1 month ago

B) To reach an agreement. Duh, it's not about winning or losing, it's about finding common ground.

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Hannah

2 months ago

D) To get a better price. Isn't that what we're all after in the end?

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Sabrina

2 months ago

B) To reach an agreement. That's the whole point of a negotiation, isn't it?

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Jutta

2 months ago

I feel like the focus should be on mutual benefit, so B makes the most sense. But I can see why some might choose A or C.

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Crissy

2 months ago

I’m torn between B and D. Reaching an agreement seems right, but getting a better price is often a big part of it too.

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Celestina

2 months ago

Definitely B) To reach an agreement.

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Rickie

2 months ago

I remember practicing a question like this, and I think "to win" is too competitive. It feels more about collaboration.

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Lacey

3 months ago

C) To beat the other team. Gotta show them who's boss, am I right?

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Marcos

3 months ago

I think the main goal of negotiation is to reach an agreement, but I'm not entirely sure if that's the only purpose.

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Julie

3 months ago

I'm pretty confident the answer is B. The purpose of a negotiation is to find common ground and reach a deal, not just to win at all costs.

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Ressie

4 months ago

I'm leaning towards D. In a lot of negotiations, the main goal is to get the best possible price or terms for yourself, right?

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Fletcher

4 months ago

Definitely B. The whole point of a negotiation is to find a mutually beneficial solution, not just to beat the other side.

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Gaynell

4 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'm not totally sure if the goal is to win or just reach an agreement. I'll have to think this through carefully.

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Layla

4 months ago

I think the primary purpose of a negotiation is to reach an agreement, so I'd go with B.

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Brittani

3 months ago

Winning isn't everything. It's about understanding each other.

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