Interest-Based Mediation & Problem Solving

"What is Interest-Based mediation?

In interest-based mediation an impartial and independent negotiator facilitates a discussion between disputing parties. The professionally trained mediator assists parties to explore matters at issue between them and to identify what is most important to them; their needs, expectations, desires, concerns, hopes and fears. Once these interests have been identified, parties explore options for settlement and if they wish, create an agreement that addresses as many of their interests as possible.

Such a mediation is normally completed in four stages, including an introduction, the identification of issues the parties wish to resolve, an exploration of the facts and interests, and a solutions stage in which the parties create an agreement. The agreement is tested to ensure it meets the parties' interests, is in accord with objective criteria, and is realistic and workable.

What Are The Advantages Of Mediation?

Mediation is a fast and cost effective way to resolve a dispute. It offers parties:

A chance to be heard...
A chance to develop new ways of thinking about a problem...
A chance to work collaboratively...
A chance for the parties to develop their own solutions. The mediator controls the process of the discussion and the parties control the result..."

From this webpage of the Mediation Library of North Carolina State University. The site also contains a detailed paper on interest-based problem solving "that provides a structured process by which participants work to solve problems while simultaneously fulfilling their own needs and attempting to satisfy the needs of others."