What are most commonly used techniques which might usefully be described within the definition of effective dispute resolution?
A. The one most frequently mentioned is of course mediation because of its inherent flexibility, but even that term can cover a variety of techniques. Whilst the traditional picture is of a neutral person assisting disputants to resolve their differences in person, there are many variations including online and telephone techniques, caucus or joint meeting approaches, emphases on facilitative or evaluative models. Early neutral evaluation is a variation where a third party expresses a view about the merits of a disputed matter which may or may not be regarded as binding depending on the choice of the parties. Neutral chairing of meetings can allow a disinterested party to hold the ring between the parties, either to reduce the risk of people taking up positions before they have properly heard opposing points of view, or after a dispute has arisen. Mediation can be combined with arbitration as a contiguous process in arb-med or med-arb. Conciliation may involve the conciliator making wr
