Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

Vol 2 - Table of Contents
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How it works: steps for ‘mediation’
Mediation is usually accomplished during a series of face-to-face meetings. All participants should be given equal status during the
process and be encouraged to present their views on each issue. The main steps of a mediation process are:
Step 1
Identify the conflict, the relevant actors and
organise meeting.
Step 2
Investigate key issues and concerns.
Step 3
Identify and assess potential 'solutions'
agreeable to all parties.
Step 4
Ensure agreements made through
mediation are honoured and implemented.
Step 5
Feedback, adjusting of agreements; further
monitoring.
The nature of the conflict and all the persons/groups
involved - or who might become involved if the project were
modified - must be identified and encouraged to attend. A trusted
mediator should be appointed, and a convenient time and neutral
location arranged for the first meeting.
The different interests and perspectives need to be
presented by participants in a clear and open manner,
including all relevant background factors, concerns and
barriers. Ensure all participants have an equal standing and
opportunity to participate.
Working with participants, identify possible solutions for
resolving the conflict. Refine these options and identify
possible barriers to their implementation. Ensure that the final
solution offers some aspects of a 'win-win situation' for all
participants.
Once agreements have been reached, they must be clearly
defined and documented. Ensure that the agreements are
likely to be fully implemented (e.g. by making formal/official
decisions, and by working closely with the project team).
Make sure the implementation follows the agreements
reached in the mediation, and that all participants are
satisfied - otherwise stakeholders will loose confidence and
new conflicts may arise that will be more difficult to resolve.
Practical information
Who participates and how?
Typically, national and municipal bodies are the
initiators of mediation procedures. But it is essential to
include all potential stakeholders in establishing the
dispute resolution process: these may include local
residents, local businesses, regional interest groups,
elected officials, and other government organisations.
Ensure that you find neutral mediator, who is trusted
by all the participants.
How much does it cost?
The costs for such a procedure (e.g. external venue,
external mediator etc.) can be considered to be quite
high, both in terms of money and the time required,
particularly for those with small budgets or on a tight
schedule. However, this has to be put in the context of
negative impacts of the on-going conflict (both on the
project team and more widely through the media), and
the risks of legal proceedings.
What skills are required?
Mediators are highly skilled and must:
Be neutral, open-minded, unbiased towards each
participant;
Be reliable and perceived to be trustworthy;
Manage the procedure and have responsibility for
monitoring implementation;
Have knowledge and experience in
communication techniques, in negotiation and in
conflict management;
Be able to facilitate constructive dialogue; and
Help develop potential solutions to the conflict
which can benefit all parties.
What are the drawbacks?
Individuals and groups must be willing to negotiate
with others - this can be difficult for people who feel
passionately about a particular issue. Where this
condition cannot be met, in some cases it may not be
possible to find an acceptable solution.
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