Mediation Terms and Definitions

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. Dispute Resolution (DR) A studied approach or procedural framework that analyzes the means by which disputes are handled within an organization. Consensus method of seeking the resolution of a multiple-party conflict or dispute, relying upon equal participation of all parties. The end goal is to develop an agreement, usually without voting, that all of the participants can live with. 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. Binding A legally enforceable decision or agreement resulting from a dispute resolution process. 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. 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. Settlement Week A court and bar sponsored mediation awareness program in which volunteer mediators assist litigants and attorneys in exploring ADR opportunities for settling civil cases. Many courts in Ohio hold settlement weeks. Facilitation A collaborative process involving the use of a neutral third party (facilitator) to design and oversee a group process. Facilitation is used to help a group reach a goal or complete a task to the mutual satisfaction of participants. 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?
	Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes that promote creative solutions to disputes that are unavailable in traditional dispute resolution forums. May include a specialist