The pros, cons, and maybes of telephone mediation: A conversation about the "fourth party"

This article focuses on the use of technology in conflict and dispute resolution, and particularly the use of telephone communication as the "fourth party" in mediation. The two authors respectively outline the advantages and the limitations of mediation by telephone, and then provide a brief historical review of some of the relevant research, dealing with issues relating to non-verbal behaviour, the influence of culture on communication style, and how behaviour is affected by modes of communication. In the context of the authors' experiences, and the research examined, some suggestions are made as to when telephone mediation might be particularly appropriate.