Tools of the Mediation Practice
Ground Rules
Parties can avoid problems that might disrupt the process by
clarifying their assumptions and reaching agreement on how they
will conduct themselves. There is no one correct set of ground
rules. Different approaches are appropriate in different
circumstances. Generally, however, parties need to cover at
least the following issues:
- purpose
- participation (e.g. parties, observers, addition of
parties)
- decision making
- conduct of meetings (e.g. setting agendas, open vs
closed meetings)
- safeguards (e.g. good faith, confidentiality, exchange
of information)
- schedule (e.g. deadlines)
- facilitation (e.g. who, neutrality, termination)
Click here for an example of Ground Rules taken from
several policy dialogues. |
