How can you use Online Mediation?

Whether for traditional or interest-based negotiations, FMCS technology enhances both the process and its outcomes.


The TAGS system streamlines discussion, prioritization and consensus-building.

Traditional Negotiations

In technology-enhanced traditional negotiations, typically one person serves as chief spokesperson (in contrast to Interest-based approaches where all participants have a voice). Consistent with this philosophy, usually only one person from each side is supplied with a computer. An LCD projector displays information for the bargaining teams to view. The parties do not use technology to replace discussions. They use technology to supplement the submission of proposals, work with reference documents and contracts, coordinate meeting activities and keep bargaining notes. Data can be uploaded to the FMCS TAGS Internet server for use between meetings or for interim online meetings.
In face-to-face meetings, if the parties don’t have adequate equipment, the computers may be provided by FMCS’ TAGS services group. Parties can meet at one of the TAGS electronic conference centers, or have computers shipped to a hotel or other meeting site.

Interest-Based Negotiations

In support of interest-based bargaining training, FMCS provides continuing assistance to participants for their problem-solving mechanics in a labor-management committee, in bargaining negotiations, or in an alternative dispute resolution process.

Since all participants have a voice in this bargaining approach, each person is supplied with a computer to supplement their discussions. This dramatically expedites the normally time-consuming process of facilitation. Feedback from participants suggests that time spent has been halved, compared to negotiations that did not use TAGS technology. Additionally, instead of flipcharts being typed up at a later time by someone not in attendance at the meeting, meeting participants can have a written record (or disc) before leaving the meeting.

Face-to-Face Negotiations

In face-to-face meetings, if the parties don’t have adequate equipment, computers may be provided by FMCS’ TAGS Services group. Parties can meet at one of the FMCS offices, or have computers shipped to a hotel or other meeting site.

Remote Negotiations

Parties may want to do the entire negotiations remotely or just include some remote meetings. In remote meetings, the parties can remain in their respective locations saving travel time, money and aggravation and meet online in one of our secure meeting rooms. Using webcams (preferred but not required) parties can go about the negotiations as normal with real time document sharing and editing and with the mediator having the ability to conduct online private breakouts when desired.

Combination Negotiations

More and more busy individuals can’t or prefer not to travel to a particular meeting. Some of the participants gather face-to-face like a normal meeting and others join the meeting via the Internet. This has worked well for all.

 

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