Intergroup Conflict: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Causes, Consequences, and Solutions for Intergroup Conflict

Intergroup conflict might arise in any workplace as various groups work together to support and further the mission and collective interests of the company. Some groups are defined by job title—the accountants, the lawyers, and the marketing team. Other groups are defined by project or subject area. Still, others may be determined by the level in the company …

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What is Business Litigation?

business litigation

Business litigation is the process of presenting issues with business and corporate entities to the courts and arguing on behalf of business entities in court.  There are a variety of topics that may be the subject of business litigation, and many business litigation lawyers are experts in one of these areas.  These business litigation disputes …

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Limits of Confidentiality

limits of confidentiality

While much of the alternative dispute resolution world, and many other professional fields, love to highlight the benefits of confidentiality, many of them fail to point out the limits of confidentiality.  Understanding these limits is a vital aspect of sharing your information and keeping your information confidential.  Without a clear understanding of when confidentiality will …

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Developing True Mediation Competency

By Bruce A. Edwards, Esq. The Key to Developing True Mediation Competency In addition to skills training in mediation, what do mediators need to improve their mediation competency?  While mediation skills training remain essential to the practice of mediation, the key to developing mediation competency begins with self-reflection and self-management.  Before we can effectively assist …

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Morton’s Resolution Model: The Resolution of Conflict

Conflict is often painted in a bad light.  It can make people feel uneasy and often contributes to the breakdown of relationships. However, not all conflict is destructive, and there are times when conflict may be beneficial for a situation or relationship.  The idea that conflict will have either constructive or destructive results is the …

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Structural Barriers to Good Communication and Agreement

Structural Barriers to Communication - ADR Times

Communication is an important part of any workplace or group setting, and a key component of reaching agreements.  When communication is healthy, a workplace or group can be productive and reach its objective.  When communication breaks down, other aspects of the workplace begin to fall apart as well.  In some cases, communication breaks down as …

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Ineffective Communication Examples (+ Definition & Factors)

Ineffective Communication

One of the best ways to learn about a topic is through examples; ineffective communication is no different. Unfortunately, many people struggle to identify ineffective communication because the examples they have been given are either too obvious, unhelpful, or so specific to a situation that they are not replicable in the real world. Because of …

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Defining Partiality

Defining Partiality

How to define partiality? Within the alternative dispute resolution sphere, the word partiality, or more commonly impartiality, is used often, but for some new to the field, it can be difficult to define.  I t often feels like a type of action that would normally be easily identifiable, but in the world of alternative dispute …

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Narrative Mediation Process Explained

Narrative Mediation

Narrative mediation is a style of mediation that focuses on the story of the relationship between the people who are in dispute and looks to heal this relationship as well as resolve the dispute.  It focuses on how each party tells their story and the unique moment where the stories intersected in a way that …

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Marriage Mediator: Why do You Need One?

Marriage Mediator

When couples are facing issues with their marriage and are starting to consider divorce, a marriage mediator may be an answer to saving the marriage that the couple did not know existed.  While most people associate mediation and marriages with divorce mediation, there is a growing practice with mediators stepping in before the parties are …

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