A Narrative Approach to the Practice of Mediation

Abstract

Thinking in narrative terms is proving useful in a number of disciplines. Such thinking has already contributed to a growing body of work in the family therapy field. Here, we seek to demonstrate the usefulness and applicability of the ideas developed by Michael White and David Epston (among others) to the practice of mediation. Distinctions are drawn from the problem-solving approach with regard to both basic theoretical assumptions and method. A transcribed mediation scenario is used to illustrate and comment on the techniques of narrative mediation in action.

Building a Narrative Based Requirements Engineering Mediation Model

“…In narrative mediation, the process of mediation is thus viewed as a story-telling process [13]. It has been recognized as an innovative conflict resolution paradigm that encourages conflicting parties to reach understanding and resolution through a deep understanding of the shared personal and cultural narratives underlying the conflict.…”

“…The narrative approach involves a simple and yet profound departure from commonly held assumptions about the conflicts that embroil people [13]. Its underlying assumption is that people live their lives according to stories rather than according to inner drives or interest.…”

“…Resolving the human aspects of conflict and reaching an agreement in RE can thus be sought by applying relevant approaches that have proved successful in the mediation and conflict resolution discipline. In doing this we borrow the original narrative mediation theory from Winslade and Monk [13] and translate it into the context of RE. This paper aims to describe the rational of why we have built such a model, the methodological approach of how we built it, and finally what a narrativebased RE mediation model is.…”

“…By drawing on the conflict resolution literature and IS literature, we argue that conflict resolution in RE is a mediated process, in which a requirements engineer can act as a mediator among different stakeholders. To address socio-psychological aspect of the conflict in RE and SPI, Winslade and Monk (2000)'s narrative mediation model is introduced, justified, and translated into the context of RE. …”

Alternative Dispute Resolution Based on the Storytelling Technique

“…Storytelling has been conceptually associated to mediation and studied in the context of ADR, in what has been designated narrative mediation [30], thus stressing the important role of the mediator getting and reviewing alternative stories about a conflict. However, the focus is on the process, not the technology.…”