A collection of resources

English language resources for collaboration, dialogue and conflict management

 

This section is a collection of resources related to mediation, dialogue and negotiation. The emphasis throughout is on complex issues or conflicts. Please not that this is a work in progress and that new items will be added continuously. 

We have arranged the articles, videos and slide presentations into the following categories:

Background reading

Here you will find some of the theories and other interesting texts and articles that have inspired our work with dialogue, mediation and negotiation.

Tools

Here you will find references to tools for analysis such as actor mapping, conflict and complexity analysis and more. 

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Design

How to plan and design single meetings or longer processes. Here you will also find a dialogic framework that has been developed and used in mediation, dialogue and public participation processes.

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Meta-skills

Meta-skills refer to the attitude of the mediator, facilitator or designer of larger processes such as impartiality, neutrality, inclusion, fostering mutual understanding and more. 

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Facilitation and mediation skills

Facilitators and mediators need basic skills to create space for dialogue. Here you will find basic and more advanced skills.

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Methods

Methods are a combination of different skills suited to a particular task. Making inclusive decisions, dealing with polarities and getting out of deadlock are some of the methods you will find here.

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Background reading

On Societal Change and Complexity

Societal Change

Society is changing. The way in which society organises itself is shifting from hierarchy to networking. Understanding these changes helps us understand the necessity for dialogue. This is a short article based on the thoughts of Hans Abrahamsson, a Swedish Peace and Conflict researcher.

Complexity and Complex Problems

It is vital to understand the difference between complex problems and those that are of a technical nature. The distinction between complex, complicated and simple problems helps decision-makers and facilitators avoid the risk of conflict arising and escalating.

Conflict

Polarisation and Conflict

A short text on polarity and polarisation, explaining why polarity is part of life and how polarisation leads to tension, resistance and conflict.

Facilitation, mediation and negotiation

Facilitation, mediation and negotiation

This text explains the difference between these three roles. All of them build on the idea that relationship and dialogue are crucial to finding a common understanding and reducing the risk of harmful conflict.

Designing Meetings and Processes

On Process Design

A short introductory text on process design

A dialogic process logic (in progress)

Influence and Dialogue

The Forms of Conversation

Dialogue is a word used for many different conversations. Here we try to find clarity by distinguishing between Information, Consultation, Discussion and Dialogue.

Influence and Forms of Conversation (in progress)

Building on the introductory text above, we explain the importance of being clear on the level of influence participants in a collaborative process can expect to have. Different forms of conversation can and need to be be used at different points in a dialogue process.

 

 

Aspects of more extensive dialogue and collaboration processes

  • A dialogic process logic
  • On mapping – a way to better understand complex problems

Readings

Background reading

On Meta-skills

  • Impartiality
  • Neutrality
  • Inclusion

Basic skills for facilitation and mediation

  • Mirroring
  • Summarising
  • Asking smart questions

Tools for analysis