Solutions for the Benefit of All

A critical step in the mediation process is to explore options and find solutions to the conflict or dispute. The possible solutions depend on how the mediator and the participants approach this step of the process.  Further, I have noticed that there are parallels between the solution seeking approaches in mediation and certain economic theories.

In my experience the participants will often approach a mediation session looking out for their own best interest and with the belief that the best solution occurs when each individual does what is good for themselves only. In other words, they are actually not considering what it is that the other party may need.  This approach is similar to an economic theory provided by Adam Smith that states “the best result comes when everyone is the group does what is good for themselves”.

I think that the solutions achieved in mediation are better if the participants approach the mediation with the belief that the best solution occurs when each individual does what is good for themselves and the others involved. This approach is similar to an economic theory provided by John Nash that states “the best result comes when everyone in the group does what is good for themselves and the group”.

In my opinion, we could reach better solutions in mediation if each participant considers the needs of others and themselves and that the overall result will be solutions for the benefit of all involved. .

So the next time you are faced with a decision or a conflict you may want to consider how best to meet your own needs and the needs of the others involved!

All the best, Gillian 

Collaborative Governance

Collaborative governance is a type of process that ensures that those people who have interest in a public policy issue are directly involved in a way which allows for them to provide input and recommendations.

The typical participants in a collaborative governance process are government agencies, community groups, organizations, businesses, non profits, individuals and First Nations.

The collaborative processes usually involve the following components: sharing of background information, gathering input from participants, an analysis of the input, the development of various options, a process to determine how the group will form consensus and the provision of recommendations on the issue.

Certain issues may be more appropriate for collaborative processes and their success seems to depend on variables such as the history of the issue, how long the issues has been a conflict or concern, incentives for participation, power and resource imbalances, and the conflict resolutions skills of the facilitator.

Policy makers are starting to use the concept of collaborative governance for many reason included the following: to ensure that people are well informed about the issues, to build relationships and trust with various types of participants, to save time and money by addressing concerns versus avoiding the conflicts and allowing them to escalate, and to find better ways to collective learn and solve problems.

Over the last two decades I have observed a growing interest and acceptance of the collaborative processes within governments. The issues facing public policy decision makers today are complex and involve diverse stakeholder groups. The use of collaborative processes has proven to be an effective way to address these types of issues for the betterment of all involved.

Collaborative governance processes have been proven to be effective in the development and implementation of public policy issues.

So why not use a collaborative process to address an upcoming public policy issue within your government?

All for now, Gillian