Developing a new approach to managing and mediating conflicts

Abstract

Generally speaking, words can be elusive and they need to be carefully selected when conveying messages, ideas and proposals between parties. This is all the more evident in mediation process as language has to be neutral and mediators should avoid expressions directing parties. In this regard, recent theoretical developments in postmodern social theory and the social constructionist movement in the social sciences and humanities have provided the field of alternative dispute resolution with a new approach to managing and mediating conflicts. These developments are organized around the 'narrative approach' which helps us to see how the language we use to describe and understand our conflicts are is operative in constructing an image in our minds of the conflict itself. The research conducted in this paper is in line with the theoretical principles behind the narrative mediation. By reframing the discourses surrounding the conflict situation, the analysis demonstrates that mediators might become aware of the peculiarities of mediation discourse and might be able to adapt the process to meet the particular circumstances in a knowledgeable way.