Conflict inevitability brings about two sides of a perspective that must be fused together in a way that leaves a lasting solution. This doesn't always happen as two sides seek to dominate each other. While they seek a superior position they bring forward their arguments and counter the other side's arguments in a pathological manner. Eventually they must choose between compromising their values or seeking a reasonable outcome.
Compromising values means giving up what you believe in by believing in a lower standard. One must grudgingly accept that their values should be watered down and have less of an important position in their life. Reasonableness of outcome means that you are accepting that based on the current situation and understandings that there must be a compromise of some type to make important gains.
Compromise doesn't mean watering down of ideals. The values stay in tact while the outcome is negotiable. Holding closely to your values is a process that can go on for a long time with multiple situations and outcomes. In negotiations it is an eventual goal, not the actual outcome, that maintains its integrity.
With that being said, there are times when values should hold fast and not be compromised during the negotiation process. This occurs when the opposing party makes a gross violation of ethics and values and doesn't want to reach for a higher standard. Holding onto ones values becomes an issue of principle more than an issue of practicality. However, there are those who set the standard for the rest of us.
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