Exploring the Role of Culture in Mediation: An Existential Approach for Mediators, Coaches, Psychologists, and Organisations

This new book explores the historical development of mediation (conflict resolution) from a cultural and existential perspective, and considers the cultural challenges involved for a mediator. The author, Monica Hanaway, has been mediating disputes across cultures for several years. She sets the scene for exploring the role culture plays in conflict and its resolution by explaining what mediation is and what we understand by the word ‘culture’. From there she explores what mediators need to keep in mind when considering culture in the context of mediation. Within this, she covers such topics as the merits of using interpreters, and the pros and cons of using mediators from the same culture as the disputants. The final section of the book comments on what mediation professional and training bodies need to do to raise the profile of the cultural aspects in conflict. Written by an experienced practitioner, Exploring the Role of Culture in Mediation will be of particular interest to all mediators, coaches, and psychologists, those interested in applying philosophy to resolving conflict, and those considering mediation.