NCJ Number
116437
Journal
Negotiation Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 63-73
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on how relevance trees can assist mediators in making strategic choices.
Abstract
Problem analysis makes use of decision trees that graphically show all relevant information needed to make a decision and focus on quantitative comparisons. Relevance trees, on the other hand, often focus on qualitative comparisons and are therefore helpful to mediators who must assess a conflict and pursue one of four strategies: integrating, inaction, pressing, and compensating. The article develops a relevance tree based on a model developed by Carnevale and modified by other scholars, pointing out that relevance tree analysis can help a mediator take a vigorous and systematic approach to problem solving. Because relevance trees isolate the decisions that mediators make at various times and call attention to elements of a dispute that could be overlooked by an inexperienced third party, they would be helpful in training mediators. A study of relevance trees can also help in understanding the dynamics of the mediation process. 19 references.