Mediation Terms and Definitions

Dispute Resolution (DR) A studied approach or procedural framework that analyzes the means by which disputes are handled within an organization. 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. 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. 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. Mediation-Arbitration (Med-Arb) A hybrid of mediation and arbitration (see definitions) that relies on a neutral who functions both as a mediator and an arbitrator. 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. 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 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. 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. Alternative (or Appropriate) Dispute Resolution (ADR) Used narrowly to refer to a set of alternatives to litigation including mediation, arbitration, and summary jury trials. Used broadly it refers to all methods which resolve conflicts between parties by a means other than an adversarial or judicial process.

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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