A study examined the relationship between interaction involvement--a kind of communication competence--and communication behavior in a negotiation setting. Subjects, 120 college students, completed the Interaction Involvement Scale and were placed in same-sex dyads of three types: (1) mixed dyads of one high- and one low-involved subject; (2) same-level dyads composed of two high-involved subjects; or (3) same-level dyads composed of two low-involved subjects. Each dyad was videotaped as it engaged in a negotiation scenario. The transcripts were then coded for type of negotiation strategy used--assertions, argument assertions, refutations, countersupport statements, statements of blame, and other strategies. Results showed that subjects who were higher in interaction involvement used a significantly different negotiation strategy than subjects who were lower in involvement. Specifically, the high-involved subjects used a more thoughtful, reasoned, and persuasive negotiating style than did low-involved subjects. Results indicate, however, that high involvement was not an advantage in negotiation; in fact, results suggest the highest levels of involvement might actually have inhibited the negotiator's chances for success. (Tables appear throughout the text, and copies of scenarios used in the study are appended.) (FL)