"This is the fourth edition of one of the seminal works in the field of mediation and conflict resolution. The book is practical blend of theory, research, and practice with a useful "how to" approach to resolving disputes at various stages of development and resolution. Its case studies present a range of successful applications of mediation (interpersonal, child custody and divorce, commercial, business, organizational, public policy, environmental, intercultural and international) and strategies for intervention. The book is written for both beginning and experienced practitioners."--

Approaches for managing and resolving disputes and conflicts -- Mediation process : mediator roles, functions, approaches, and procedures -- Practice of mediation -- Conflict analysis : understanding the causes of conflicts and opportunities for collaboration -- Negotiation and conflict resolution -- Mediation process : an overview -- Making initial contacts with disputing parties -- Collecting and analyzing background information -- Designing a plan for mediation -- Beginning mediation -- Presenting parties' initial perspectives and developing an agenda -- Educating about issues, needs, and interests and framing problems to be resolved -- Generating options and problem solving -- Evaluating and refining options for understandings and agreements -- Reaching understandings and agreements and achieving closure -- Implementing and monitoring understandings and agreements -- Strategies for responding to special situations -- Strategies for multiparty mediation -- Toward an excellent practice for mediation