E-Mediation

Online mediation is spreading rapidly as a mode of practice. In this chapter, Ebner surveys the development of e-mediation within the wider context of ODR growth. Next, the chapter presents a snapshot of the field’s status quo with respect to stakeholders, modes of communication and the technology utilized, Finally, the chapter addresses substantive and process issues in e-mediation: mediation process models, stages and issues; practitioner skills; professional issues; ethics and practitioner standards. The author identifies current trends in the fields and makes several predictions regarding the field's future development, including the adoption of online mediation by solo practitioners (as opposed to "service provider" firms), the rise of video-conferencing (primarily through low-cost, familiar platforms) and the somewhat counter-intuitive implementation of online mediation in disputes involving strong relational elements, such as divorce, community and workplace issues