non-zero-sum game

Meaning

A situation where the interacting parties can all win or all lose, rather than one party's gain being another's loss. It is used in negotiation and strategic planning to describe collaborative opportunities where mutual benefit is possible.

Examples

• The joint venture was structured as a non-zero-sum game, ensuring both companies benefited from shared intellectual property.

  The joint venture was structured as a non-zero-sum game, ensuring both companies benefited from shared intellectual property.

• Negotiators should aim for a non-zero-sum game where value is created rather than merely divided.

  Negotiators should aim for a non-zero-sum game where value is created rather than merely divided.

• Unlike hostile takeovers, strategic alliances often represent a non-zero-sum game for the industry.

  Unlike hostile takeovers, strategic alliances often represent a non-zero-sum game for the industry.

• By pooling our R&D resources, we turned a fierce market rivalry into a non-zero-sum game.

  By pooling our R&D resources, we turned a fierce market rivalry into a non-zero-sum game.

• Modern trade agreements are ideally designed as non-zero-sum games that boost the economies of all participating nations.

  Modern trade agreements are ideally designed as non-zero-sum games that boost the economies of all participating nations.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to play a non-zero-sum game with our competitors to destroy them.

  ✓ We need to engage in a non-zero-sum game with our partners to maximize mutual growth.

  A non-zero-sum game implies mutual benefit or win-win collaboration, not defeating or destroying the other party.

• ✗ This is a non zero sum game situation.

  ✓ This is a non-zero-sum game.

  The phrase is hyphenated when used as a compound modifier or noun phrase, and adding 'situation' is often redundant.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of fighting over a shrinking market, the two tech giants formed a partnership, turning their rivalry into a ___.

  💡 A situation where both sides can win.

  Show answer

  non-zero-sum game

• In international trade, a ___ approach focuses on mutual economic growth rather than protectionist tariffs.

  💡 Not a winner-take-all scenario.

  Show answer

  non-zero-sum game