Q: "India is an ancient culture with traditional systems of resolving conflicts. Why do we need a westernized method of conflict resolution?"
A: Yes, we are an old culture, but the conflicts we experience now are different from those of even a generation ago. Hence our methods of resolution need to be relevant to the changed times. The field of Conflict Resolution is not so much a western system as it is based on the most contemporary research from around the world and tried and tested methodologies. It is multi-disciplinary and culturaly sensitive to the complex needs of the 21st century.
Q: "Mediation will never work in OUR society, community, organization..."
A: No single system of conflict resolution, however brilliant, can work for everyone, everywhere, all of the time. Luckily, conflict resolution is not one modality or method. Mediation is only one of a range of tools and processes that can be customized for the context and the culture where it needs to be used. Don't dismiss the possibility of creative resolution, give it a shot and surprise yourself with the outcome.
Q: But why a professional third party? Can't a friend, family member, or someone in our HR Department do the same thing?
A: While you can trust someone that you know, the people closest to you may not have the skills, objectivity and impartiality to help you work through difficult and complex relational issues. Professional mediators not only have specialized knowledge and experience, we also have no stake in your conflict. A good mediator is both competent and neutral. If your mother, best friend, local politician or HR executive has these skills, that's great. If not call us!
Q: "We don't have the time or money for this."
A: Have you asked yourself how much time and money you or your colleagues are spending dealing with conflict right now? If you are not dealing with it, what is the time and money that is lost in in avoiding it? How much time and money could you be saving if you were able to put this conflict behind you? Now, consider this: can you really afford not to address the conflict professionally?
Q: "Our problems are too far gone for conflict resolution or mediation. Now, the courtroom is the only option."
A: When you are neck deep in a conflict, it always looks bad. Communication has broken down and everybody seems hurt and stuck in rigid positions. This is where someone who is NOT INVOLVED in the conflict can bring a fresh perspective...help work through issues in a non-confrontational, constructive manner. Give professionals a chance before you take the legal route. Experience the power of building bridges!
Check out our Course of the Month : Managing Challenging Conversations 
Is your relationship becoming worse with each interaction? Do you want to avoid long and expensive litigation?
Mediation and other conflict resolution processes can stop conflicts from escalating and help resolve issues in a constructive way. We help involved parties to explore the issues, re-build relationships and reach agreement. Isn't it better to take control of your own dispute and try and resolve your differences yourself than take your chances in the courtroom?
We have a wide cross section of clientele; from NGOs, civil society groups to businesses, communities and governments. Meta‑Culture helps improve relationships in and across all these areas.
In fact, Multi-stakeholder consensus building is one of our key strengths. READ MORE
If you're in the thick of a conflict that's not getting any better, you have two choices:
- Hope and pray it gets resolved, somehow
- Take control over it.
The cost of professional assistance is far less than that of allowing the issue to escalate.
Putting Ourselves in Their Shoes depicts the challenges faced by a Peruvian community due to a mining project in their midst. The video documents the role of non-governmental actors in helping parties learn to engage with each other, and tracks the development and maturation of the relationships between stakeholders over several years. Putting Ourselves in Their Shoes was produced by the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at The Harvard Kennedy School. READ MORE
Following severe violence in the Niger River Delta, Chevron withdrew in 2003. The Only Government We See describes the need for, and implementation of dialogue structures between Chevron and surrounding communities that facilitated Chevron's successful return. The video depicts the role of NGOs, community leaders and Chevron in the restructuring of relationships between stakeholders. The Only Government We See was produced by the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at The Harvard Kennedy School. READ MORE
The problem with conventional grievance mechanisms (ie. approaching the boss, the family elder or the best friend to help solve a dispute) is that you are counting on the wisdom and neutrality of others. Moreover it is escalatory, investigative and slow to produce results. Most depressingly, it destroys existing relationships.
We have a radical idea- put in place effective systems that can enable disputants to resolve the issues themselves, with some facilitative help from third parties. READ MORE