Mediation Terms and Definitions

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. Conflict Management A philosophy and set of skills designed to assist people in better understanding and dealing with conflict as it arises in all aspects of our lives. 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. Collaborative Problem Solving Process by which people work together to define a problem, generate options, and identify objective criteria to reach a decision. It can, but doesn't necessarily, include the aid of a third party. Reconciliation Though not a formalized term, it describes steps taken to heal or improve relationships that have been damaged by a conflict. 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. 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 Fact-finding Usually used in relation to negotiation, mediation, or arbitration of complex disputes. This is a process by which facts relevant to a dispute are determined. These can be ascertained by a neutral fact-finder, a joint fact-finding effort involving the cooperation of disputing parties, reliance upon the data of independent sources, or a mixture of these. Caucus A private meeting or series of meetings that take place in concert with a dispute resolution process. Can include a meeting between the neutral third party and each of the interested parties separately. 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.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.