What is Mediation?
Mediation is an assisted conversation and negotiation between parties that find it difficult to communicate with each other to solve a problem, dispute, or conflict. Mediators are persons not involved in the conflict and with no stake in the outcome. They assist the parties to find solutions that fit the parties’ needs and aspirations. The process has a high probability to improve the relationships among the persons involved in the conflict.
The process is a deliberate “con-ver-sation” allowing for changing perspectives. By exchanging ideas and negotiating the outcome the conflict can be transformed into a viable solution.
The mediation process generally consists of six parts:
- Explanations, expectations and agreements regarding the mediation process.
- Gathering information and defining the problem(s).
- Work on helping parties to understand each other and empathize with each other.
- Helping parties to find a viable solution that fits their needs and aspirations.
- Development of an agreement between the parties.
- Closure consisting of a process evaluation and an outlook regarding the future.
Mediators can be found in every country. Mediation training can be acquired through various organizations worldwide. See Links, or check www.mediate.com.
Facilitation and Social Dialogue
Facilitation is the art of helping groups, in meetings and working sessions, to come to a conclusion, to solve a problem, to create consensus. The facilitator creates an environment in which each member of the group is heard and con-ver-sation can happen.
Generally the term Social Dialogue has been applied in negotiations between trade unions and employers’ organizations. The essence of the process, uniting diverse interests for constructive change, can be applied to all situations, where conflicts divide groups and societies.