About Action Evaluation, the process used to create The Tennessee Vision for Mediation.
The Tennessee Vision for Mediation was created using "Action Evaluation," a process adapted for conflict resolution professionals by Dr. Jay Rothman of the ARIA Group and the University of Cincinnati.
Action Evaluation is a tool for groups of people collaborate more effectively by linking action with reflection in a way that anchors their work in shared values.
As individuals, we are familiar with the tension between reflection and action. The needs for action on a daily basis draw us, and if we do not find the time and tools to periodically reflect on our actions in light of our goals we frequently get off track.
If linking action and reflection is hard for individuals, it is vastly more difficult for groups, especially if there is a lack of agreement on means and ends.
Perhaps the most common solution to this problem is hierarchical control, where the vision is laid down by a small group of "leaders." In the 1930's visionary social scientist Kurt Lewin advanced what was then a groundbreaking hypothesis: that group work is more effective with if the individuals in the group have a voice in setting both ends and means.
"Action Evaluation," a methodology developed by Dr. Jay Rothman, Director of the ARIA Instittute at the University of Cincinnati, builds on Lewin's theories by adding insights from contemporary conflict resolution. It invites participants to look at a problem, an issue or a conflict through three lenses: First, each individual's
Action Evaluation is a tool for groups of people collaborate more effectively by linking action with reflection in a way that anchors their work in shared values.
As individuals, we are familiar with the tension between reflection and action. The needs for action on a daily basis draw us, and if we do not find the time and tools to periodically reflect on our actions in light of our goals we frequently get off track.
If linking action and reflection is hard for individuals, it is vastly more difficult for groups, especially if there is a lack of agreement on means and ends.
Perhaps the most common solution to this problem is hierarchical control, where the vision is laid down by a small group of "leaders." In the 1930's visionary social scientist Kurt Lewin advanced what was then a groundbreaking hypothesis: that group work is more effective with if the individuals in the group have a voice in setting both ends and means.
"Action Evaluation," a methodology developed by Dr. Jay Rothman, Director of the ARIA Instittute at the University of Cincinnati, builds on Lewin's theories by adding insights from contemporary conflict resolution. It invites participants to look at a problem, an issue or a conflict through three lenses: First, each individual's
wants and needs; second, the perspective if their group; the third perspective, one which can be pursued only after consensus is reached within each group, is to look at the issue from the perspective of the wider community of which they are a part to and search for common ground. The decision rule throughout is consensus.
Applying this tool to the issue of mediation in Tennessee, two distinct groups were identified: private practice mediators and those who volunteer or work as staff at Community Mediation Centers. Eighty-five individuals gave their input, almost half of whom participated in one or more face-to-face meetings. Representatives at the final meeting agreed to every word of The Tennessee Vision by consensus.
Another unusual feature of Action Evaluation is a web-based questionnaire and a relational data base. By using the web, mediators across Tennessee were able to submit their ideas. The data base is designed not only to permit the facilitator to search for patterns among hundreds of individual statements and stories, but also to keep the attention on the participants' own words rather than to rely on flip charts or summaries.
The Tennessee Vision for Mediation is eloquent and powerful. In the end, its success or failure will depend on the extent to which the five goals of the Vision become criteria by which people in this state orient their work and evaluate their progress.
Roger Conner, Facilitator
Vanderbilt Law School, December 16, 2009
Applying this tool to the issue of mediation in Tennessee, two distinct groups were identified: private practice mediators and those who volunteer or work as staff at Community Mediation Centers. Eighty-five individuals gave their input, almost half of whom participated in one or more face-to-face meetings. Representatives at the final meeting agreed to every word of The Tennessee Vision by consensus.
Another unusual feature of Action Evaluation is a web-based questionnaire and a relational data base. By using the web, mediators across Tennessee were able to submit their ideas. The data base is designed not only to permit the facilitator to search for patterns among hundreds of individual statements and stories, but also to keep the attention on the participants' own words rather than to rely on flip charts or summaries.
The Tennessee Vision for Mediation is eloquent and powerful. In the end, its success or failure will depend on the extent to which the five goals of the Vision become criteria by which people in this state orient their work and evaluate their progress.
Roger Conner, Facilitator
Vanderbilt Law School, December 16, 2009