The greatest challenge to resolve a dispute, in particular a multi-party dispute, is that different stakeholders have very different perceptions on the same problem. Their relationship may have soured due to earlier confrontations or misunderstandings. Emotions and positioning are entailed in a dispute and there is usually a lack of trust between the parties.

In the midst of a dispute, parties usually lose sight of their common interests and how they can work together to build a stronger and more resilient relationship that can bring about mutual benefits. Embattled corporations pour resources into defending past actions and are distracted from their primary responsibility of improving corporate performance. Workplace and employment disputes very often lead to more reported sick days and less committed staffs.

The “Mediate-First Pledge” strives to build bridges, facilitating parties to a dispute to take the first step to negotiate a resolution. We help spread a spirit of partnership and shift disputants’ paradigm from ‘me’ to ‘us’. We encourage people to work side-by-side earlier on to resolve problems based on common interests. The Pledge is an effective way to initiate processes to resolve conflicts in straightforward and constructive manners, to yield mutually satisfactory solutions, and to control risks, time and costs.

We believe that by getting more corporations signing the Pledge, Hong Kong can be a more harmonious and prosperous city and the entire community will be better equipped to meet challenges and grasp business opportunities, in both good and bad times.