Mediation Terms and Definitions

Dispute System Design A studied approach or procedural framework that analyzes the means by which disputes are handled within an organization. Appropriate dispute resolution processes are then instituted to handle the specific types of issues that arise in an organization. Co-mediation Mediation process in which there are two mediators who simultaneously or jointly conduct the process. Used in cases where mediators with different areas of expertise would be useful, when there are multiple parties involved, and/or to model cooperation and gender/ethnicity balance. Confidentiality Provides that information shared during the course of a dispute resolution process is deemed private and is not to be revealed to anyone outside of the process. Conflict A broad term regarding an interaction between people with differing interests which are perceived as incompatible. Derived from the Latin conflictus, meaning "to strike together." Conflict is often inevitable, but constructive outcomes from conflict are frequently possible. Ombudsman, Ombuds, Ombudsperson A third party neutral that researches complaints and suggests or implements solutions on behalf of a recognized authority. Most often on behalf of a single organization. Facilitator A person competent in the use of dispute resolution who provides a neutral's services to groups (usually more than two) involved in a dispute or conflict. Conciliation This term has significantly different definitions depending upon the context. It refers to substantially different processes in federal and state statutes pertaining to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), domestic relations court, and public employee collective bargaining procedures. Dispute Resolution (DR) A studied approach or procedural framework that analyzes the means by which disputes are handled within an organization. Assessment An impartial analysis of a conflict situation conducted with an eye towards determining potential paths by which parties may reach a resolution of their conflict. Policy Dialogue Informal discussion of public policy issues incorporating many different interested parties. This process usually clarifies key issues, and increases understanding between groups that are often publicly opposed to one another

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation has many qualities that make it appealing. In most cases, mediation is: conciliatory fair quick inexpensive voluntary confidential Mediation also has several key benefits. It promotes: greater participant control customized agreements workable decisions mutually satisfactory outcomes improved relationships high rates of compliance decisions that hold up over time