Final answer:
The correct option when discussions do not resolve issues is negotiation, which is a method of conflict resolution involving strategic dialogue to reach an agreement and avoid the negative consequences of unresolved conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussions fail to resolve issues within a group, the next progressive step is often negotiation. This is a strategic dialogue that aims to resolve an impasse in a way that all parties can agree on, which may lead to a compromise. The concept of negotiation is particularly prevalent in scenarios involving political bargaining, where parties seek to reach a consensus or a mutually acceptable agreement. If an agreement can't be reached, sometimes the status quo is maintained as the fallback position. However, through the act of negotiation, parties are provided an opportunity to address conflict, make concessions, and potentially reach a resolution that is palatable to all parties involved, thereby avoiding the adverse outcomes of unresolved conflict, such as stress and lost productivity.
Looking at the role negotiation plays in various situations—from everyday group decision-making challenges to political bargaining or workplace disputes—it becomes clear that this is the method by which parties navigate through disagreement when other less formal methods, like mere discussion, prove ineffective.
Therefore, in response to the student's question, the most suitable option after an unsuccessful discussion would be A. Negotiation. It is the process that underlies the endeavor to overcome collective dilemmas and conflicts, through which compromises can be brokered, ultimately leading towards harmonious problem-solving within groups or larger entities such as political institutions.