Discussion Post: Negotiation, Arbitration, or Mediation?
The assigned readings from the text provide background on when to choose negotiation or one of the alternative dispute resolution strategies. These are typically situations in which two parties were unable to resolve their own conflicts. When a third party is sought to intervene, the original parties have admitted that they are at an impasse. Many factors influence the selection of a strategy involving someone else and many of the conflicts we have described in the course focused on intangible areas of disagreement. We now focus more on tangible materials and resources.
There have been many books written on formal negotiation strategies, as well as all forms of alternative dispute resolution. In this course, we are focusing on mediation and arbitration. All of these have tactics that professional negotiators, mediators, and arbiters use to help disputants come to a fair and equitable resolution. The higher the stakes, the more likely outsiders are to be involved.
Cahn, D. D., & Abigail, R. A. (2014). Managing conflict through communication (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
To prepare for this Discussion, pay particular attention to the following Learning Resources:
Review this Learning Resources, especially:
1) "Managing Win-Lose Conflicts Through Negotiation" - See attachment"
2) "Managing Others' Disputes Through Mediation" -Resolving Disputes Through Employment Mediation (mediate.com)
3) Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration - Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration - IResearchNet
Task
Post a cohesive response based on your analysis of the Learning Resources and your professional experience. Be sure to discuss the following:
1) Compare the main differences among negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. In what circumstances is each the most appropriate to use? Analyze a personal example, or research an example from an organizational setting, of using third parties to work out conflicts identifying the strategy used and the outcome.
2) Search online and find a specific example where one of these techniques was used in an organizational setting.
3) Describe the situation, which approach was used, and the outcome.
4) Do you think one of the other approaches would have been more appropriate? Why or why not?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.