Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key focus of conciliation as a dispute resolution process?
What is a key focus of conciliation as a dispute resolution process?
All conciliation processes are entirely confidential.
All conciliation processes are entirely confidential.
False
What is a potential drawback of the privacy associated with the conciliation process?
What is a potential drawback of the privacy associated with the conciliation process?
Less accountability
Conciliation is a hybrid dispute resolution process that focuses on the interests and rights of the parties, to arrive at a ______ outcome.
Conciliation is a hybrid dispute resolution process that focuses on the interests and rights of the parties, to arrive at a ______ outcome.
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In the context of conflict resolution, which mode best describes the role of a conciliator?
In the context of conflict resolution, which mode best describes the role of a conciliator?
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Match the following elements with their descriptions within the context of conciliation:
Match the following elements with their descriptions within the context of conciliation:
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Conciliation is strictly limited to workplace disputes and cannot be used in other contexts.
Conciliation is strictly limited to workplace disputes and cannot be used in other contexts.
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In a rights-based conflict resolution, such as the example about unfair dismissal, what is the key focus of the tribunal?
In a rights-based conflict resolution, such as the example about unfair dismissal, what is the key focus of the tribunal?
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In some organizations, conciliation is compulsory before proceeding to the next stage of dispute resolution.
In some organizations, conciliation is compulsory before proceeding to the next stage of dispute resolution.
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Besides judges, list the three other hats or roles involved in third-party intervention modes of conflict.
Besides judges, list the three other hats or roles involved in third-party intervention modes of conflict.
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What might a conciliator do if they believe the agreement reached by the parties is outside the regulatory framework?
What might a conciliator do if they believe the agreement reached by the parties is outside the regulatory framework?
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In a conciliation process, the conciliator might discuss potential _______ consequences with parties if the matter were to proceed to a hearing.
In a conciliation process, the conciliator might discuss potential _______ consequences with parties if the matter were to proceed to a hearing.
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The word 'conciliation' is used in the Australian Constitution in regard to which of the following?
The word 'conciliation' is used in the Australian Constitution in regard to which of the following?
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Match the following conflict resolution roles with their descriptions:
Match the following conflict resolution roles with their descriptions:
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Conciliation has a universally agreed upon definition that is used across all organizations.
Conciliation has a universally agreed upon definition that is used across all organizations.
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What type of activity might a conciliator do prior to a conciliation conference?
What type of activity might a conciliator do prior to a conciliation conference?
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In conciliation, what does the process primarily focus on?
In conciliation, what does the process primarily focus on?
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Adjudication is primarily an interest-based approach to conflict resolution.
Adjudication is primarily an interest-based approach to conflict resolution.
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What is the primary focus of interest-based conflict resolution?
What is the primary focus of interest-based conflict resolution?
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A key aspect of rights-based conflict resolution is upholding the ____ and ensuring each party's legal rights are respected.
A key aspect of rights-based conflict resolution is upholding the ____ and ensuring each party's legal rights are respected.
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Match the conflict resolution approaches with their primary focus:
Match the conflict resolution approaches with their primary focus:
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What is a key difference between conciliation and adjudication?
What is a key difference between conciliation and adjudication?
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In interest-based resolution, parties work together to find a solution that meets everyone's needs.
In interest-based resolution, parties work together to find a solution that meets everyone's needs.
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What might be a personal interest of a lawyer be in a conflict?
What might be a personal interest of a lawyer be in a conflict?
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What order do the following steps in conciliation occur in?
What order do the following steps in conciliation occur in?
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Study Notes
History of Conciliation
- Conciliation is used in the Constitution (s 51) for dispute prevention and resolution, especially industrial disputes.
- It's now used in various dispute resolution frameworks, expanding beyond workplace contexts.
- Conciliation originated in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and is employed by numerous organisations (over 80) and mentioned in over 100 pieces of legislation.
- The relevant body responsible for resolving disputes, the RTA also uses conciliation.
- There is no precise definition and its model is unfamiliar to many legal professionals.
- Tax disputes are another area where conciliation is used.
- The ADR Advisory Council (November 2021) provided a consistent definition, recommending training and standards.
Current Practice and Theory
- Conciliation involves various approaches: facilitative, informative, evaluative and determinative.
- Facilitative mediation involves assisting with communication without imposing solutions; informative outlines options to parties; and evaluative (common in conciliation) involves providing information about legal rights/consequences and possible outcomes.
- Conciliation differs from mediation; it involves different mindsets, goals and methods for defining a process .
- Conciliation's theoretical basis needs to be defined and its relationship to mediation and other processes explained.
Conciliation in Practice: Modes of Intervention
- Conciliation involves independent third-party intervention in conflict.
- The third-party can adopt different strategies (facilitative, informative, evaluative and determinative).
- The outcomes and approach differ depending on which style is used.
Key Considerations in Conciliation
- Evaluative conciliation involves listening to both parties' presentations and giving them information on their rights, and potential outcomes prior to a meeting.
- This method also includes possibly separating parties for private discussions and outlining probable outcomes to encourage settlement.
- Conciliation offers flexibility and can meet the needs of parties in ways that outdated laws cannot.
Features of Different Conciliation Styles
- Facilitative Conciliation: focuses on options and outcomes decided by parties, facilitating the discussion without providing advice, and often suitable for power imbalances.
- Determinative Conciliation: involves a third-party assessment of submissions and evidence, with procedures often being onerous, favouring adversarial outcomes, and potentially impacting relationships.
Ways of Resolving Conflict through Conciliation
- Facilitative DR (Mediation): An interest-based approach focuses on parties' underlying interests to reach outcomes agreeable to all parties involved.
- Conciliation is Rights-Based: focuses on legal rights and relevant legislative frameworks that govern employment rights and obligations.
Case Studies: Conciliation in Action
- Community Gardening Conflict: Conciliation helps facilitate a discussion for both the gardening group and business owner to find a resolution agreeable to both parties regarding shared public space; this involves both parties identifying their interests.
- Fair Dismissal Issue: Conciliation is used in an employment dispute with discussion around both the employee and employers perspective on contract, performance, and relevant legal framework. Legal considerations are considered.
Forums for Conciliation
- Various tribunals, workplace injury commissions, industrial relations commissions, child protection tribunals and local government bodies utilize conciliation as a dispute resolution tool.
Key Variables in Conciliation
- Conciliation frameworks vary based on factors such as compulsory or voluntary nature, confidentiality, legal representation, time constraints and whether outcomes are required to be conciliated according to existing legislation.
Overall Stages of Conciliation
- Preparatory steps include intake and information gathering, often assessing jurisdiction.
- Following this are an introduction and joint discussions which involves sharing information and addressing specific issues.
- Parties address the dispute in a joint and private manner
- Parties come to an agreement regarding the issue in conciliation
- Conciliators finalize the agreement and document it according to the legal frameworks involved, finalising the process.
Important Features of the process
- Conciliators have the power to step in whenever they feel the agreement being reached is not feasible within the existing legislation.
- Conciliation processes are typically confidential.
Issues with Conciliation
- Conciliation can be highly dependent on the skills, preparedness, and impartiality of the conciliator.
- Brief processes may mean reduced accountability.
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Description
Explore the evolution and current practices of conciliation as a method for dispute prevention and resolution. This quiz covers its origins, applications in various industries, and different approaches used in the field. Ideal for those studying legal frameworks and dispute resolution.