Preferences Over Solution to the Bargaining Problem

Abstract

There are several solutions to the Nash bargaining problem in the literature. Since various authors have expressed preferences for one solution over another, we find it useful to study preferences over solutions in their own right. We identify two sets of appealing axioms on such preferences that lead to unanimity in the choice of solution. Thus bargainers may be able to reach agreement on which solution to employ. Under the first set of axioms, the Nash solution is preferred to any other solution, while under the second set, a new solution, which we call the weighted linear solution, is best.