IN MEDIATION Duncan Campbell Mediator CEDR Chambers Cross-cultural - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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IN MEDIATION Duncan Campbell Mediator CEDR Chambers Cross-cultural - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Aug 21, 2022 264 likes •407 views

CROSS-CULTURAL CHALLENGES IN MEDIATION Duncan Campbell Mediator CEDR Chambers Cross-cultural challenges in mediation What cultural factors can be relevant? What challenges can arise? How do they play in the process of mediation?

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CROSS-CULTURAL CHALLENGES IN MEDIATION

Duncan Campbell Mediator – CEDR Chambers

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Cross-cultural challenges in mediation

  • What cultural factors can be relevant?
  • What challenges can arise?
  • How do they play in the process of mediation?
  • The focus will be on commercial disputes

where the parties are from different cultures

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  • Many possible definitions – essentially:
  • A shared frame of reference – defining the group

we belong to

  • Factors
  • Gender
  • Race
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Class

Culture?

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One recognised classification

  • Individualistic

Individualistic

  • Communication direct & explicit – get to the point
  • More confrontational & aggressive style of

negotiation

  • Challenge facts
  • Emphasis on rationality & legal rules

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One recognised classification – Collectivist

Collectivist

– Importance of personal relationships – More hierarchical – Avoidance of confrontation & loss of face – More indirect in communication

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Impact of culture in mediation

  • Effectiveness of mediation depends on

capacity of each party to understand & appreciate interests of the other and…

  • f the mediator to make this understanding

possible

  • i.e. effective communication at two levels:

– Party to party – Party to mediator

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Cultural challenges in opening phase

Planning the mediation meeting:

  • Venue – neutral ground?
  • Attendees – hierarchy – matching?
  • Authority of principals
  • Timing – allowing for slower pace
  • Language – need for interpreter?
  • Underlying emotions?

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Cultural challenges in pre-meetings

  • First impressions - crucial step in building

rapport

  • Striking the correct balance
  • Where does power lie in group?
  • Preparation for joint meeting – how best to

present case

  • Anticipating any cultural clash

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Cultural challenges in joint session

  • Seating
  • Ineffective communication

– Pace too fast – Colloquialisms & jargon

  • Maintaining respect

– Bullying tactics – Racial insensitivity

  • Emotional outbursts

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Cultural challenges in private sessions

  • Where is power & authority – lawyer/client

balance

  • Exploring hidden issues
  • Timing & pacing of meetings
  • Setting up negotiation
  • Handling interpreters

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Cultural challenges in negotiation

  • Seating
  • Aggressive tactics
  • Handling emotions
  • Keeping momentum

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Cultural challenges after negotiation

  • Loss of face
  • Keeping everyone on board
  • Pausing & resetting if no agreement on the

day

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Meeting cultural challenges in mediation

Some tips for mediators

  • Self-awareness
  • Active listening
  • Repeat and reframe statements
  • Check comprehension
  • Longer time-frames

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