For a more detailed overview of the mediation process, how it works, what its benefits are, and the differences between mediation and other dispute resolution processes, download my Negotiators’ Guide to Mediation.
If you are interested in learning more about dispute resolution in general, the websites listed below are a good start, and they offer links to hundreds of other web resources.
ADR Institute of Canada
The homepage of the ADR Institute of Canada. An excellent overview of dispute resolution services in Canada. It includes a free downloadable journal covering recent developments in arbitration and mediation in Canada.
Conflict Resolution Network
The homepage of the Conflict Resolution Network Canada. Presents recent news in conflict resolution, upcoming conferences and a good web bookstore.
Social Sciences Research Network
A more theoretically-focused site. This is the homepage of the U.S based Social Sciences Research Network. Hundreds of downloadable articles on current dispute resolution theory.
No need to create an account to view the articles.
Canadian Human Rights Commission
This page has a useful list of general guiding principles for designing a process to address disputes within an organization.
The International Mediation Institute
This site offers a very good overview of the mediation process and useful online tools for evaluating other options for resolving conflicts.