Mediation

Brief Description:

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral party intervenes to help others bring their dispute to a settlement.

Description:

Mediation aims to assist people in reaching an agreement, but the parties themselves have to determine the conditions of any possible settlements. The disputes may involve states, organisations, communities or individuals.

Mediation is sometimes referred to as "alternative dispute resolution" with an emphasis on communication to resolve mutually interdependent, opposing views or ideas.

Used For:

Resolving conflicts, disputes, opposing ideas and so forth.

Suitable participants:

Mediation is wide ranging and used by anyone from individuals or two to large states and organisations.

Cost:

Low/Medium

This depends on the length of time it takes to resolve certain conflicts. In addition to this, costs include training mediators and bringing people together.

Time Requirements:

Dependent on the nature of conflict and the progress that is made throughout.

When To Use / What It Can Deliver:

• To define the issues & develop options.

• To achieve a mutually-agreed resolution.

• When participants recognise the need to communicate the conflict.

When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:

• When disputes are obviously too polarised to achieve a settlement.

• When participants are unwilling to compromise or negotiate common ground.

Strengths:

• Shows consideration.

• Emphasises communication as key.

• Demonstrates respect for others.

• Avoids costly alternatives.

• Diplomatic and peaceful.

Weaknesses:

• Requires trained and understanding mediators.

• Determining what the parties actually dispute.

• Some disputes are two polarised to achieve a settlement.

• Requires flexibility and active willingness by participants which may be difficult to achieve in certain disputes.

Origin:

The activity of mediation in itself appeared in ancient times. The practice developed in Ancient Greece and was also adopted and recognised as valuable by the Roman civilization.

Case Studies:

Related Methods

• Dialogue

Restrictions In Use

Further Information

For further information please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediation#Why_choose_mediation

or

http://www.nominet.org.uk/disputes/drs/mediation/

Popular Methods

21st Century Town Meeting

Citizens Jury

Deliberative Polling

Open Space

Participatory Appraisal

Participatory Budgeting

Webcasting