Navigating Silent Disagreements: An Exploration into Business Partner Disputes with Real-world Insights

  In the realm of business, disputes are as common as deals themselves. They arise from misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or differing viewpoints. But what happens when one party goes radio silent, refusing to engage? This can be a particularly challenging obstacle to overcome, but with tact, patience, and strategy, it's possible to bring them back to the negotiation table. This silent defiance can be an intricate puzzle. Drawing from a real-world example, let's delve deeper into resolving such challenges. Understanding the Silence: The Case of Two Restaurateurs Imagine a thriving bistro, a culmination of the dreams of Alex and Jamie, two passionate restaurateurs....

Continue reading

Understanding Negotiation and Mediation: Their Distinct Features

  Introduction Disputes and disagreements are inevitable in both our personal and professional lives. The way we handle these conflicts can greatly influence the nature of our relationships and the results we achieve. Two common techniques used to address and resolve disputes are negotiation and mediation. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct approaches to conflict resolution. To select the most suitable method, one must fully understand the unique attributes of each technique and how they operate in real-world situations. Negotiation: An Overview Negotiation is a fundamental process of dialogue aimed at reaching an agreement where two or more parties have...

Continue reading

Turning Battles into Bridges: The Interplay of Conflict and Decision-Making

In the myriad interactions that make up human life, conflict is a recurring theme. It is an omnipresent aspect, surfacing in various areas of life—personal, professional, or social. On the other hand, decision-making is an integral cognitive process resulting in the selection of a course of action from a pool of alternatives. The confluence of these two aspects gives rise to fascinating dynamics. The focus of this article is to delve deeper into how conflict affects our decision-making process and to shed light on ways to leverage this interaction constructively. Defining Conflict Conflict can manifest in several forms, from internal struggles we...

Continue reading

The Importance of Objectivity in Conflict Resolution: A Critical Tool for Harmony

Introduction Conflicts are an inevitable part of life. We encounter them in our personal relationships, professional interactions, within societies, and even among nations. While these conflicts vary in scope and severity, a common thread is that they require resolution to prevent further harm and to foster growth. The key to effective conflict resolution lies in one critical aspect is objectivity in conflict. The process of taking a step back from our subjective viewpoints and assessing situations without personal biases is instrumental to resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively. This blog post explores the importance of objectivity in conflict resolution and how it...

Continue reading

Harnessing the Power of Mediation: Transforming SME Disputes Based on FSB Research

Introduction This article delves into the key findings of the FSB research, explores the advantages of mediation for SMEs, and highlights the importance of raising awareness about mediation as a viable dispute resolution mechanism. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently published a comprehensive study on the impact of disputes in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sector. The research highlighted the significant financial and emotional toll these disputes have on business owners and their companies. In response, the FSB has advocated for the use of mediation as an effective means to resolve conflicts, given its numerous benefits over traditional litigation. FSB Research...

Continue reading

Women as Agents of Change: Advancing Mediation and Peacebuilding Efforts Globally

Women as Agents of Change

Women have long been at the forefront of efforts to promote peace and resolve conflicts around the world. From grassroots activists to high-level diplomats, women have played a crucial role in advancing mediation and peacebuilding efforts globally. In this article, we will discuss some of the most famous women mediators in history.

Strikes, Boycotts And Sanctions, How Can Peace Building And Mediation Be Used As A Tool For Communication

The Economic Challenges

We are all aware of the current economic challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the increase in inflation (a 40 year high in the UK 10.1%, predicted to rise to 18% in January 2023), the strain on energy resources leading to increases in prices and risk of power cuts across Europe, including Switzerland, where there is debate at the federal and cantonal level to prepare for energy shortages this winter in the extreme situation of power failure.

A Review Of Commercial Mediator Attitudes And Experiences In The UK

The State of Mediation Today

Since 2003 CEDR’s Mediation Audit has tracked the growth and success of the commercial mediation profession, the 2021 report provided insight into how the profession stepped up to the challenges of social distancing through the use of online dispute resolution and the continuing challenges to raise standards and increase the use of mediation in society.

Managing Conflicts Through Email, Why Is It So Tempting!

The Communication Struggle in The Workplace

There is no doubt without the use of electronic communication through emails the ability to operate hybrid working between the home and office millions of businesses around the world would not be able to operate. This was highlighted during the Pandemic lockdowns; it would have been next to impossible to operate and manage business without the use of email as a mode of communication. Whether you are checking emails on your desktop, mobile, tablet or on several devices at the same time, there is little escape from the written word through electronic communication.