foreediation

Foreediation is an emerging term in conflict resolution that describes activities conducted before formal mediation to prepare disputing parties for dialogue and negotiation. It is not yet standardized, and definitions vary across jurisdictions and practitioner communities. In many accounts, foreediation encompasses early information gathering, issue framing, and relationship assessment conducted by a neutral party or by one of the prospective mediators before a formal mediation session.

Core elements commonly cited include confidential intake to understand interests, an initial framing of the dispute’s scope, mapping of power dynamics and stakeholder interests, establishment of ground rules and confidentiality for the preparatory process, and the development of a foreediation plan or agenda. The aims are to reduce miscommunication, stabilize expectations, and build trust between parties, thereby increasing the likelihood of a productive mediation.

Foreediation can be conducted through individual caucuses, joint pre-meetings, or asynchronous exchanges, and may involve one or more fore-mediators. The process is typically distinct from the formal mediation that follows, though it may inform or shape subsequent negotiations. In practice, foreediation is used in family disputes, workplace conflicts, community disagreements, and sometimes international negotiations where parties are hesitant to enter a full mediation.

Critics argue that foreediation risks delaying resolution, creating imbalance if some parties gain more access to information, or predisposing outcomes. Proponents contend that carefully designed foreediation can reduce defensiveness and clarify issues, increasing the chances of a successful mediation.

Because the term is not universally defined, empirical evidence is limited, and some practitioners describe similar activities under pre-mediation, facilitation, or preparatory sessions. See also mediation, negotiation, facilitation.