Course Information

This course surveys the major methods currently in use by organizations for resolving disputes by situating alternative dispute resolution in its historical, social and legal context. Various ADR techniques will be examined and compared, and participants will be provided with an overview of ADR mechanisms, their advantages and disadvantages, and recognize the appropriate situations in which to apply them. Special emphasis is placed on developing mediation skills. Critical issues such as getting parties to the table, ethical issues of the mediation process, power imbalances, the appropriateness of mediation and issues of culture, race and gender are addressed. Technical aspects of the mediation process covered include: stages in the mediation process, how to determine the interests of the parties, how to generate options for settlement, and how to get beyond impasses. Negotiation models and the practical techniques necessary to negotiate effectively are also covered. Participants also examine a range of formal and informal dispute resolution models currently in use by organizations.