Economics

Book Review, Developing the Field, Economics, Framing, Future of mediation, Mediation and Society, Public Policy, Technology, Uncategorized

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Technology has been defined as the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life. More often than not we think of this as the application of knowledge from sciences such as physics, chemistry or biology to provide new ‘things’ which improve life. However, perhaps this is too narrow a perspective, which doesn’t…

Communication, Cooperation, Economics, Game Theory, Public Policy

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“We are used to thinking about competitions in which there is only one winner….But the world is rarely like that.. The key to doing well lies not in overcoming others, but in eliciting their co-operation.” Robert Axelrod Zero-sum thinking (one can only improve one’s position at someone else’s expense) seems to becoming ever more prevalent…

Argument, Communication, Decision making, Dialogue, Economics, Legislation, Policy, Public Policy, Scotland

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In his book ‘Growth – A Reckoning’,  Daniel Susskind eloquently sets out what he terms the ‘Growth Dilemma’ – how to balance the promise of economic growth against its price. The promise comes through the increased productivity inherent in economic growth, which has led to significant improvements in living standards and life expectancy across the…

Business, Cooperation, Economics, Framing, Game Theory, Public Policy, Trade, Uncategorized

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My attention was drawn recently to a chart illustrating an article in the Financial Times, which showed higher levels of zero sum thinking among those whose early adult years corresponded to a slow-down in economic activity. The degree of zero sum thinking was on a scale of 0-100 where 100 = “Wealth can grow so…

Creativity, Decision making, Economics, Mediation and Society, Philosophy, The role of the mediator, Uncategorized

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Making the ‘right’ decision can be one of the hardest parts of the mediation process. Once understanding of has been enhanced and options thoroughly explored – how best to choose a way forward? One of the great Enlightenment thinkers may be able to offer some help. Adam Smith is best known for ‘The Wealth of…

Communication, Cooperation, Economics, Leadership, Mediation and Society, Public Policy, Trust, United States

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I’m not really a fan of musicals so I was rather surprised to find myself responding to a friend’s recommendation and booking tickets for of ‘Hamilton’. Having taken the plunge I went further and started on Ron Chernow’s epic biography of Alexander Hamilton. Both the performance and the book are excellent. The show is great…

Business, Cooperation, Economics, Mediation and Society, Public Policy, Trust

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A recent Scottish Universities Insight Institute project looking at regional innovation strategies featured a presentation by Peter Wostner from the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development in Slovenia. He framed the development of innovation ecosystems as a collective action problem. This type of problem has been defined as “a situation in which all individuals would be…

Bias, Causes of Conflict, Cognitive Bias, Communication, Decision making, Economics, Framing, Mediation Practice, Neuroscience, Policy, The role of the mediator

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Daniel Kahneman, the psychologist who won the Nobel prize for economics, died in March. He described himself as the grandfather of behavioural economics, which provides so many insights into how people perceive the world and take decisions in practice, rather than in the more theoretical, rational world of homo economicus. His book ‘Thinking Fast and…

Book Review, Conflict, Dispute Resolution, Economics, Future of mediation, Game Theory, History of mediation, International Mediation, Leadership, Mediation and Society, Mediation Practice, mediation traditions, peace negotiations, Role of Mediator, Uncategorized, Understanding mediation

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The Magic in Mediation This is a longer blog post than is normal but I will not be alone in describing Ken Cloke as one of the most influential figures in my life, both professionally and personally. Ken’s wisdom and humanity, expressed so well in his many books and seminars, have been hugely important to…

Business, Cooperation, Economics, Framing, Public Policy, Scotland

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Reframing is an important part of the mediator’s toolkit. It can help parties look at things from a different perspective to broaden their understanding and it can help put offers and options in a different light to aid resolution. The importance of reframing was highlighted at a recent workshop led by academics from the Universities…