WORKPLACE CONFLICT IN SOUTH AFRICA - A CASE STUDY OF WESTERN CULTURE v AFRICAN CULTURE

In a recent judgment by the South African Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), the Court pronounced on a labour dispute which some of the readers may find of some interest. Following hereunder a posting by the writer in which he dealt with the judgment and its potential consequences for South…

I was just reading an interesting article about mediation, and it explored something that I think most mediators would agree is essential to being impartial and unbiased: The ability to acknowledge there may be more than one "truth."Every time I watch a 24 hour news channel, it seems one pundit or another is discussing his or her own opinion, and I carefully watch the anchor. Does he or she seem to agree with one side over the other? Does he or she give more air-time to one side?…

Originally Posted on Mediation Works http://goo.gl/sokylX

When Is it Time for Mediation?

Is there a right time to enlist help of a mediator?  Is there are wrong time?  

Like any complicated matter, a conflict is unique in terms of its particular subject, the parties’ motivations, and the overall context.  So, decisions regarding how and when to attempt to resolve any…

When a conflict is over and we are experiencing ongoing thoughts about what we wished we had said or done, it is a good time to figure out what we learned that will help us going forward. Making an action plan is one way of precluding continual wishing to do things differently - after our conflicts are over. Rather, we become intentional about what we want to work on in order to be proactive and prevent unnecessary conflict, and to not agonize in the aftermath of our interpersonal…

Ken Cloke is renowned for his decades of work, passion and dedication to bring peacemaking tools to wherever he believes he can be of service whether it is in the U.S. or around the world. In this episode, The Language of Conflict, Ken will share his personal…

(First published on Dialogic Mediation Services)

This quotation is taken from a recent post on Dr. Julie Macfarlane's blog on the National Self-Represented Litigants Project that takes its mandate from the National Self-Represented Litigants (SRL’s) Research…

In my latest blog post, available here, I describe how Malcolm Gladwell's latest book applies to transformative mediation.

"What's Happening?" Blog is a weekly round up of the all the ADR news, jobs, events and more.  Check it out each week and view past news […

(First published on Dialogic Mediation Services)

One way of looking at the mediation process is as a means by which disputants can explore the possibilities for resolving their differences, it being understood that the outcome of the process is entirely up to them. It's often said, 'the disputants own their differences while the mediator owns the process', or something to that effect.  But if mediation is predicated on…

Soliya is an international organization fostering intercultural dialogue and understaning, and an implementing partner of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. 

One of our programs, the Facilitation Training and Practicum, offers the unique opportunity to graduates and professionals to learn or enhance indispensable ADR skills and actively…

Table Topics Cafe 2014 Book Club



12 months, 12 books. I think that's more than doable. I've selected some books that have been sitting on my shelf collecting dust which I believe are great conversation starters. These books focus on self awareness, community, culture, communication, conflict, networking, connecting, and reflection.

Follow the link to see what we're reading this month and this year! …

When it comes to problem-solving during a conflict we seem to use different styles depending on a number of variables. These may include who the conflict is with, the nature of the issues, and whether the relationship or outcome are more important to us. Other factors may be the degree of acrimony and the intensity of the interaction. Depending on these and other variables, we may respond by avoiding, accommodating the other person’s needs, compromising, fighting to win, cooperating, or…

(Originally published on Dialogic Mediation Services)

In the video below, Emma Seppala, Associate Director at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University reviews some of the latest scientific research on compassion at the…

During our series, esteemed leaders in law and dispute resolution Ms. Debra Hamilton of New York and Mr. Gary Norman of Maryland will discuss applying traditional as well as virtual Alternative Dispute Resolution tools in resolution of…

(Originally posted in Dialogic Mediation Services)

It's important in the mediation process, irrespective of the model, for the mediator to explain how she works in an opening statement. There are two reasons for this: participants have a right to know what to expect from the mediator and how the process will unfold; and, participants have a right to make an informed decision on whether the process will be helpful to…

ACResolution, the magazine for ACR (Association for Conflict Resolution) recently had an issue dedicated to book reviews.  Below are snippets of each- feel free to click the link for the full review.

Something important to point out is the book reviews provide insight on their own allowing an opportunity for conflict resolution professionals to learn and reflect on their particular practice just by reading the review.  Buying the books each review are an added benefit. 

Also…

New Post on my blog urging a "resolution" to make 2014 a year to deal with conflict. 

(Originally posted at Mediation Works)

Mediation, especially in the context of litigation, is primarily viewed as a vehicle to settlement of cases before trial.  This notion, although true in practice, limits the participants from realizing the full benefit of mediation.  Mediators should avoid the impulse to direct the parties to settlement until they are ready…