Positions vs Interests in Bargaining

"A position is….

A demand, or
A proposal, or
A preferred course of action

Key features:

It is specific
It involves doing, action
A position is the “What to do”

An interest is….

The reason(s) for a position, or
A goal or objective

Key features:

An interest is more general than a position, and open to interpretation
It is not an action

An interest is the “Why” behind the “What”

Read more in this article from the UNC School of Government.