Chapter One Chinese Mediation and Conflict Resolut...
When discussing Chinese mediation, some traditional values and ideals have to be considered.Some scholars think that Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism are still the guiding forces in modern Chinese conflict management and resolution (G.M.Chen,2002).Some researchers (Chen & Starosta, 1997; Kirkbride, Tang &Westwood, 1991, Knutson, Hwang & Deng, 2000) have all identified harmony as a cardinal value in Chinese conflict resolution.Other values include conformity, contextualization, guanxi(interrelation), mianzi (face), seniority and authority.(https://www.daowen.com)
How important is mediation in Chinese conflict resolution? Is modern mediation still strongly influenced by the traditional values and ideals? What role and function does mediation serve in today’s Chinese society? A brief history of mediation and traditional philosophies, ideals as well as values in conflict resolution will provide some place to address these questions.Next, a summary will be presented on modern mediation and the philosophies, ideals as well as values behind it.The final section will review western response to Chinese mediation techniques.