Ethics Governance
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| Article - Abstract. To view full article click on the article title. | |
The Risks Of Neutrality - Reconsidering The Term And Concept The Risks Of Neutrality - Reconsidering The Term And Concept, Robert D. Benjamin. As mediators, we seem to be drawn to the word "neutral" as a descriptive term for what we do and as a conceptual frame for our professional role. Beyond the theoretical discussion, however, there are some very practical risks for mediators to consider in continuing to describe themselves as neutrals. Your selected article and the entire Mediate.com Library are yours for free. First we need a small amount of information to best serve you: I am: a member of the public a mediator (including attorney-mediator) an attorney other dispute resolution professional My area code is: or no area code (International) Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. Privacy Why we ask As mediators, we seem to be drawn to the word "neutral" as a descriptive term for what we do and as a conceptual frame for our professional role. The terms "neutral" and "neutrality" are peppered throughout our discussion of mediation in much of the literature, and in the standards of practice of many, if not most, professional mediation organizations, in court rules, and even in enabling legislation. AFM Standards encourage mediator "impartiality and neutrality" in Section IV, while the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPIDR) makes ongoing reference to the role and responsibility of the "neutral," as a generic term to describe both mediators and arbitrators in their Standards. Most experienced mediators learn early on that the ideal of remaining neutral is quickly battered when faced with the realities of effectively managing conflicts. Some have even reached the point of challenging the notion that neutrality is worthy of our aspirations as a goal at all. (See Gibson, K., Thompson, L. and Bazerman, M., "Shortcomings of Neutrality in Mediation," Negotiation Journal, Jan.1996.) Beyond the theoretical discussion, however, there are some very practical risks for mediators to consider in continuing to describe themselves as neutrals. Full Article: http://www.mediate.com/articles/benjamin.cfm |
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