Exploring Online Mediation for Resolving Real Estate Disputes - Essay Sample

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to explore how one can apply online mediation to resolve business disputes and its effectiveness in real estate businesses.

Case Analysis

In this case, two parties are disputing over repairs of a house, which had been sold. The seller claims that he had no knowledge of the leak while the buyer claims that the seller should meet the cost of repairing, and both want to avoid traveling to the property site.

In this scenario, the visual mode of communication is the most effective way of mediating the two individuals. It enables both parties, including the realtor to participate fully in the conversation. It is also effective as it creates more trust, as both parties can see one another, unlike voice communication (Frenkel & Stark, 2018).

Pros and Cons of Text Communication

One of the pros of text communication is the ability to stay in contact with an individual, provide written documentation that can be used as proof of communication, it improves an individual improves impression of a person as they can stay in contact. It is also an important way of ensuring that one is approachable, it encourages one to be brief, and information can be got from an individual faster (Frenkel & Stark, 2018).

Texting during the mediation process may prove ineffective, because detailed information may be omitted, it can be unprofessional since one answers texts at their convenience, one individual may ignore the other, it may be tedious and it is a disadvantage for an individual who is not fluent in writing (Cherif & Grant, 2014).

Pros and Cons of Voice Communication

Voice communication is one that gets immediate feedback on what they say. One can call at any given time, it is cheaper, it encourages privacy, and it is convenient, as one may not need to book a special appointment to make an urgent call (Ponder & Hansen, 2016).

The cons of voice calls include the inability to view one's body language, calls may become out of range due to connectivity issues, interference may occur hence affecting the clarity of the message, one may not be sure if they are speaking to the intended person as one may alter their voice (Ponder & Hansen, 2016).

Pros and Cons of Visual Communication

The cons of video communication include the fact that one does not need to travel to meet a person physically. Many people can have a meeting in different locations without the need to travel. Additionally, one can hear and see the person to which they are talking. Also, negotiations can be carried out openly and one can see and read the body language of the other person (Frenkel & Stark, 2018).

The cons include the need for having good connectivity at all times, times zones can be challenging, as others may be forced to conduct the meeting at night.

Planning Questions

Mediations are crucial, in that every individual must participate at the same time to ensure smooth and effective communication without interruptions (Frenkel & Stark, 2018). The synchronous method of communication is most effective, especially where a dispute is being resolved.

Technology has provided individuals with the ability to communicate effectively, however, depending on the quality of facilities a country provides for connectivity, the advantages may not be ripped fully (Cherif & Grant, 2014). Video conferencing which is the preferred mean of communication in the case above requires one to have uninterrupted internet connectivity, to enable the mediators to give conclusive feedback (Cherif & Grant, 2014). Without it, interruptions may prevent them from concluding.

Confidentiality is very crucial, especially in mediation processes, and each individual needs assurance that their privacy is guaranteed by the mediator (Ponder & Hansen, 2016). One of the ways of ensuring confidentiality is prioritizing the security of one's passwords by setting out controls, managing traffic and blocking suspicious connections (Ponder & Hansen, 2016). The other method is encrypting to secure communication through scrambling to transit and updating the video conferencing platform. The other ways are protecting oneself through permissions and creating safe use policy.

References

Cherif, E., & Grant, D. (2014). Analysis of e-business models in real estate. Electronic Commerce Research, 14(1), 25-50.

Frenkel, D. N., & Stark, J. H. (2018). The practice of mediation: A video-integrated text. Aspen Publishers.

Ponder, N., Holloway, B. B., & Hansen, J. D. (2016). The mediating effects of customers' intimacy perceptions on the trust-commitment relationship. Journal of Services Marketing.