Worksheet 3
Assignment Questions:
1. Present an example of how you established a rapport with the disputants so that they would trust you as their mediator (especially so that they would trust you during the caucus, if you had to caucus). (10 points)
I greeted the disputants with a handshake and a friendly demeanor to establish a positive and trustworthy rapport. I therefore proceeded to lay out the purpose, agenda, and guidelines on how the mediation would be discussed, using a neutral tone. I felt that that both parties understood my intent to facilitate a positive outcome. We did not have or needed to initiate a caucus at any point during the discussion.
2. Provide an example of how you rekeyed neutral throughout the mediation. Or, if you did not remain neutral throughout the mediation, then how do you suppose that impacted your disputants? (15 points) I found myself, several times, wanting to solve the issue for the disputants. Both parties had valid issues, but I wanted to side more with the employee. I refrained from doing this by, recalling that my duty existed to assist them in formulating a solution on their own. I remained neutral by using open-ended questions that persuaded them to appreciate each other’s perception. This ultimately led to a positive outcome for both parties.
3. As the mediator, how did you work to calm negative emotions that arose during the mediation? If no negative emotions arose during the mediation, then how had you prepared to handle
These mediation proceedings are not conducted under oath, do not follow traditional rules of evidence and are not limited to developing the facts. Mediators are expected to draw out the parties' perceptions and feelings about the events that have brought them into conflict. It also encourages parties to acknowledge
Should any member refuse to participate in the mediation that member’s action results in a lost position, and the dispute is then resolved. Mediation should not exceed one day. The team leader through directives from the instructor will facilitate the mediation in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Throughout the mediation each team member will be able to state their position and provide any supporting information on their behalf. After each team member has presented their supporting information in regards to the dispute, the instructor will rule on the dispute with the team leader serving as facilitator and witness. The instructor’s ruling is final and shall result in resolution of the dispute.
Explain and describe what parts of the interaction employed effective listening and speaking in the negotiation.
A special research field in the mediation literature intends to shed light on the question, how influential the impact of mediator’s characteristics and motivations on the mediation process is. Concerning the state of research, the studies of this debate show a divergent picture. There are scientists who have queried the significance of mediator’s impartiality (Bercovitch/Houston 1996; Kydd 2003, Touval 1982; Zartmann/Touval 1996). Scholars like Saadia Touval have underpinned that mediators are often biased and can perform their tasks just as well if not better as impartial mediators. Additionally, Touval and Zartmann stated in their study that mediation is an exercise in power politics: “leverage is the ticket to mediation” (Touval/Zartmann 1989: 129). In 2003, Kydd finds that mediators use their leverage to one of the two conflicting parties and therefore constraint concessions. Thus, the mediator must be biased to be effective. This means that merely a mediator who is biased towards one side can credibility tell them that the opponent will not make peace without the concession. Carnevale and Arad (1996) also remarked the importance of bias. Nevertheless, they suggest that impartiality should not be underestimated and therefore be taken in to consideration.
Traditional approaches to mediation assume that a conflict’s parties and a mediator share one compelling reason for initiating mediation: a desire to reduce,abate,or resolve a conflict.To this end,both sides may invest personnel,time,and resources in the mediation.This shared humanititarian interest maybe the only genuine reason in a few instances of mediation,but normally even this interest intertwines with other, less altruistic,
Dr. McKinney illustrates these tensions as a contradiction; the idea of conflict between desires in a relationship. Mediation is a wonderful process in negotiating a solution between two parties thwarted by
Fells (2016, p. 211) wrote “ just as a doctor works to bring a person back to health, so too a mediator works to bring a deadlocked negotiation back to a situation where the parties can reach agreement”. This essay discusses this statement with reference to contemporary research on dispute resolution. In order to comprehend how this is achieved, we must consider the essence of mediation, the different types of mediation and what mediators do. Negotiation and mediation are process used to resolve opposing preferences between parties. Negotiation is defined in Fells (2016, p. 3) as “a process by which two parties with differences that they need to resolve try to reach agreement through
Mediation is a very potent option that is considerable in organizations which is utilized for disputes. Essentially, the process is very private, relaxed in setting,unpretentious, and optional. In general, a neutral mediator facilitates communication between those in dispute to assist them in developing mutually acceptable agreements to improve their future working relationship (“Mediation of Workplace”, n.d.). Mediation can be effective in both union and non-union settings and at all levels of the organization (“Mediation of Workplace”, n.d.).
Despite having no mediation experience prior to this class, I immediately excelled in a few areas of mediation. Namely, I did well with the introduction, exuding confidence, and helping the disputants move toward a resolution. Each of these skills is extremely important for mediators as they help set the tone, maintain control of the conversation or accomplish the goal of mediation. Of course, I improved with I practice, but I performed admirably in each of these arenas from the outset.
When all participants of mediation are involved and do their part in the process, it is likely that mediation will succeed. This full participation begins prior to the actual start of mediation. Each party should begin their participation in the process by assisting in the planning of the mediation process. Each party needs to help their attorney prepare for the mediation and then listen carefully to what the opposing counsel offers with their opening statement. This is a good preview of what the judge or jury will hear if the mediation is not successful and the case goes to
Whether or not disputants reach an agreement, the mediation approach offers a safe place where no one need feel embarrassed” (Griffin, 2009).
Throughout the years there has been many definitions of mediation. Nevertheless one the most acceptable definition of mediation refers to this procedure as a “…process in which the participants, with the support of a mediator, identify issues, develop options, consider alternatives and make decisions about future actions…” . They also described mediators as the third party assisting the participants in reaching their decision. This process should form a part of the pre-trial civil litigation process as its advantages on the legal system and the community outweigh its disadvantages. The distinguishing models of mediation make it a suitable approach for all or most civil cases.
Consider how an imbalance between 'high power' and 'low power' parties might shape a negotiation process. How might an experienced mediator deal with this problem? Provide practical examples where appropriate.
This paper will cover the difference in the negotiation process and the mediation process and explore some of the barriers that hinder the processes. There is a distinct difference between the negotiation process and the mediation process. Negotiation as defined in Essentials of Negotiation is a process by which two or more parties attempt to resolve their opposing interests (Lewicki, Saunders, and Barry, ) The Negotiation process happens when individuals disagree about a situation and there’s no mutual solution that can be attain by the two parties. The disagreement leads to a conflict which involves misinterpretation, miscommunication and hurt feelings. Because the parties cannot reach a mutual agreement on how to resolve their
1) Was this a Distributive or Integrative negotiation?- was it the optimum approach and why or why not.