Mr. Ta Wei Chao, Executive Director of IRENE Asia-Pacific, was invited to speak about Alternative Dispute Resolution on Capital 95.8FM in Singapore

Mr. Ta Wei Chao, Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Education on Negotiation Asia-Pacific, was invited to speak about Alternative Dispute Resolution on Capital 95.8FM, the only Mandarin news and information station in Singapore.

Tips on Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

During the session, Mr. Chao shared tips on alternative dispute resolution, explaining the difference between a quarrel and a negotiation, where the aim of negotiations is to achieve a win-win outcome for all parties involved. In negotiation, listening is often more important than speaking, as listening enables us to understand the interests and motives of the other party, enabling us to better organize and structure our proposals to convince the other parties involved.

One of the tips shared by Mr. Chao included trying to assess the dispute or situation from a third-party perspective, as taking a different perspective could allow negotiators to have a broader perspective of the entire situation in order to better understand not only their own needs, but also the needs and constraints of the other parties involved.

Speaking about the ability to reach a consensus between all parties involved when each party aims to maximize their own interests, Mr. Chao explained that about 80% of the negotiation outcome is often determined even before the negotiation takes place. Therefore, we cannot only rely on the time spent at the negotiation table to influence the outcome; preparation before the negotiation is of utmost importance. This includes preparation of the solution, process, communication, and alternative solutions available away from the negotiation table.

Mediation in Context

Addressing the characteristics which should be possessed by a mediator, about whether the individual should be someone acknowledged and agreed upon by all parties involved, Mr. Chao explained that in the context of Western culture, mediation is seen as a neutral process, and a mediator is often a neutral third-party who has been professionally trained in mediation. However, in the Asian culture, this would differ significantly due to the greater emphasis on hierarchy and power. In the context of the Asian culture, a mediator might not necessarily be there just to improve communication and dialogue between both parties, but also to provide viable solutions for the negotiation. Mr. Chao advised listeners to try and adopt the approach of having a neutral third-party, who will focus more on the resolution of the dispute instead of putting too much emphasis on relationships.

He also explained why it is often a practice for mediators to help facilitate dialogue and communication between both parties, without going to the extent of providing a solution, as proposals of solutions would likely affect the neutrality of the mediator’s position, inadvertently making the situation more complex.

In terms of international economic (commercial) and political (non-commercial) disputes, Mr. Chao explained that the increasing globalization of the economy has also influenced the nature of such disputes, adding that the complex nature of the parties and number of stakeholders involved also makes it more challenging to reach a consensus. Despite this, to Mr. Chao, mediation is a process through which will still be beneficial in helping all parties are able to better understand each other’s needs and interests.

The Institute for Research and Education on Negotiation Asia-Pacific will be holding a seminar on International Mediation in Context: Lessons Learned for Effective Conflict Resolution on 19 November 2015. Please click here to find out more.