Screen Print of Electronic Version

Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
OMB Number: 3320-0004
Approval Expiry Date: 02/28/2015
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution requests your assistance in evaluating this process. As a
part of this evaluation we ask the various participants who have been involved in this project to provide us with
information about their experience. The data compiled will be used to improve future mediation and facilitation
processes. The average estimated reporting burden for this questionnaire is 18 minutes. This estimate includes
time for reviewing the instructions, gathering the data needed, completing, and reviewing the questionnaire. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Institute. The Institute will not report information from this evaluation
in a way that respondents or their organizations can be identified. Moreover, the identity of individual respondents
will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) number that is
displayed on the cover is currently valid and authorizes this collection of information.

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
1. Please indicate the extent to which agreement was reached. TO ANSWER THIS
QUESTION, THINK ABOUT WHAT IT WAS THAT THE GROUP WAS CHARGED TO COME UP
WITH AT THE END OF THIS COLLABORATIVE PROCESS.
The term “AGREEMENT” applies to the written or unwritten agreement reached by
participants in the process, including plans, proposals/recommendations, procedures,
collaborative decisions to work together and settlements.
Select only one
Agreement reached on all key issues
Agreement on most key issues
Agreement on some key issues
No agreement on any key issues, but progress was made towards addressing the issues or resolving the
conflict.
No agreement, we ended the process without making much progress.

Use the space below if you would like to elaborate on your response:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
2. Using the scale below, rate the following statement regarding the agreement (as referred
to in #1).

2. Please select one:
CLICK HERE IF AGREEMENT WAS REACHED
CLICK HERE IF NOT APPLICABLE (I.E., NO AGREEMENT WAS REACHED)

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
2. Using the scale below, rate the following statement regarding the agreement (as referred
to in #1).

2a. The extent to which you feel that the agreement reached takes account of your key
interests.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

2b. The extent to which the agreement reached will effectively solve the problem/resolve the
conflict.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

2c. The extent to which you are confident the agreement can be implemented.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
3. If an assisted collaborative process had not been used, what would have been the most
likely approach to working to address this issue(s)? (click only one):
a. Unassisted negotiation
b. Judicial settlement conference
c. Litigation
d. Lobbying or working to achieve legislative action
e. Rulemaking
f. Arbitration
g. Administrative proceeding (e.g., agency appeals process, contested process hearing, agency order)
h. Wait for a better time to take action
i. Don't know
j. Other

If you selected Other, please specify:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
4. Please consider how the collaborative process you completed compares with the
alternative that you identified in the previous question. Select the option that reflects
your best estimate of the costs of the collaborative process compared to the alternative. (click
only one):
The collaborative process was likely less expensive
The collaborative process was likely more expensive
The costs of the collaborative process were likely about the same as the costs of the alternative

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
5. Were the benefits from the process worth the time and money you/your organization
invested? (click only one):
Yes
No
Don't Know

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
6. Using the scale below, how do you think the collaborative process you completed would
compare with the alternative that you selected in the question 3?

6. Please select one:
CLICK HERE IF APPLICABLE (YOU DID NOT SELECT "DON'T KNOW" FOR QUESTION 3)
CLICK HERE IF NOT APPLICABLE (YOU SELECTED "DON'T KNOW" FOR QUESTION 3)

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
6. Using the scale from the previous page, how do you think the collaborative process you
completed would compare with the alternative that you selected in the question 3?

6a. The results of the collaborative process better served my interests.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

6b. The results of the collaborative process are less likely to be challenged.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

6c. The participants are more likely to be able to work together in the future on matters
related to this case or project.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

6d. The collaborative process we participated in more effectively addressed the issues or
resolved the conflict.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

6e. The collaborative process we participated in led or will lead to a more informed public
action / decision.
0 - Not at all

5 - Moderately

10 - Completely

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
7. Using the scale from the previous page, please rate the extent to which the following
conditions were in place (1) when the process began and (2) as a result of the process.

7a. Before the process began, the participants were able to work together cooperatively.
Leave blank if don't know.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

7a. As a result of the process, the participants were able to work together cooperatively.
Leave blank if don't know.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

7b. Before the process began, the participants trusted each other. Leave blank if don't know.

0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

7b. As a result of the process, the participants trusted each other. Leave blank if don't know.

0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

7c. Before the process began, the other parties had legitimate interests that needed to be
addressed.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

7c. As a result of the process, the other parties had legitimate interests that needed to be
addressed.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
8. Please identify the key factors important to your decision whether to participate in this
facilitated/mediated process. (please select the MOST important one):
a. Ability to have confidential discussions
b. Fairness of process
c. Necessary parties would participate
d. Sufficient trust of other parties
e. Prospects for reaching agreement
f. Initial conversations (sometimes called situation or conflict assessments) with a process
facilitator/mediator
g. A change in factors outside my control (e.g., court order, agency decision)
h. Other.

If you selected g or h, please specify:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
8. Please identify the key factors important to your decision whether to participate in this
facilitated/mediated process. (please select the SECOND MOST important one):
a. Ability to have confidential discussions
b. Fairness of process
c. Necessary parties would participate
d. Sufficient trust of other parties
e. Prospects for reaching agreement
f. Initial conversations (sometimes called situation or conflict assessments) with a process
facilitator/mediator
g. A change in factors outside my control (e.g., court order, agency decision)
h. Other.

If you selected g or h, please specify:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
9. Using the scale provided, please rate your level of agreement with the following:

9a. I had the resources (e.g., time, money) needed to participate effectively in the process.

0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9b. The participants, as a group, felt they were appropriately engaged in designing the
process. Leave blank if "Don't Know" or "Not Applicable".
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9c. I was involved as needed in selecting the mediator(s)/facilitator(s). Leave blank if "Don't
Know" or "Not Applicable"
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9d. As a result of early conversations with the mediator/facilitator we were able to make an
informed decision on whether a collaborative process could help us meet our goals. Leave
blank if "Don't Know" or "Not Applicable".
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9e. The participants, as a group, represented all affected concerns.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9f. The participants had sufficient authority to make commitments on behalf of their
organizations.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9g. The participants continued to be engaged as long as their involvement was needed.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9h. The process helped you gain a better understanding of the other participants’ views and
perspectives.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9i. The process helped you identify and focus on the key issues that had to be addressed.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9j. The participants, as a group, sought options or solutions that met the common needs of all
participants.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

9k. The process enabled participants to be civil to each other.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
10. Using the scale provided, please rate your level of agreement with the following:

10a. I had sufficient access to relevant information I needed in order to participate effectively
in this collaborative process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

10b. Information technology tools (e.g., a project web site was used to share information,
spatial analysis and decision support tools were used) were effectively used. Leave blank if
Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

10c. I gained useful information as a result of participation in the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

10d. The quality of the information used was sufficient to support the group’s discussions and
decision making.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
11. Using the scale provided, please rate the following for each of the mediators/facilitators
involved in this process. Please identify each mediator/facilitator by entering their initials in
the space provided, and then rate each statement for each mediator/facilitator.

11. Initials of mediator:

11a. The mediator/facilitator kept us on track and helped us find ways to move forward
constructively.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11b. The mediator/facilitator helped us manage technical discussions efficiently. Leave blank
if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11c. The mediator/facilitator dealt with all participants in a fair & unbiased manner, and
made sure that no one dominated the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11d. I trusted the mediator/facilitator.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11e. I was comfortable with the level of confidentiality in my discussions with the
mediator/facilitator. Leave blank if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11f. The mediator/facilitator made sure that my views and perspectives were considered in
the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11g. The mediator/facilitator helped the participants test the practicality of the options under
discussion.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11h. The mediator/facilitator was helpful in documenting our work. Leave blank if Not
Applicable (e.g., no agreement).
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11i. On reflection, this was the right mediator/facilitator to guide the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
11. Using the scale provided, please rate the following for each of the mediators/facilitators
involved in this process. Please identify each mediator/facilitator by entering their initials in
the space provided, and then rate each statement for each mediator/facilitator.

11. Initials of mediator:

11a. The mediator/facilitator kept us on track and helped us find ways to move forward
constructively.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11b. The mediator/facilitator helped us manage technical discussions efficiently. Leave blank
if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11c. The mediator/facilitator dealt with all participants in a fair & unbiased manner, and
made sure that no one dominated the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11d. I trusted the mediator/facilitator.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11e. I was comfortable with the level of confidentiality in my discussions with the
mediator/facilitator. Leave blank if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11f. The mediator/facilitator made sure that my views and perspectives were considered in
the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11g. The mediator/facilitator helped the participants test the practicality of the options under
discussion.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11h. The mediator/facilitator was helpful in documenting our work. Leave blank if Not
Applicable (e.g., no agreement).
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11i. On reflection, this was the right mediator/facilitator to guide the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
11. Using the scale provided, please rate the following for each of the mediators/facilitators
involved in this process. Please identify each mediator/facilitator by entering their initials in
the space provided, and then rate each statement for each mediator/facilitator.

11. Initials of mediator:

11a. The mediator/facilitator kept us on track and helped us find ways to move forward
constructively.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11b. The mediator/facilitator helped us manage technical discussions efficiently. Leave blank
if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11c. The mediator/facilitator dealt with all participants in a fair & unbiased manner, and
made sure that no one dominated the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11d. I trusted the mediator/facilitator.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11e. I was comfortable with the level of confidentiality in my discussions with the
mediator/facilitator. Leave blank if Not Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11f. The mediator/facilitator made sure that my views and perspectives were considered in
the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11g. The mediator/facilitator helped the participants test the practicality of the options under
discussion.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11h. The mediator/facilitator was helpful in documenting our work. Leave blank if Not
Applicable (e.g., no agreement).
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

11i. On reflection, this was the right mediator/facilitator to guide the process.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
12. Using the scale provided, please rate your agreement with the following statement.

12a. I had communication with the mediator/facilitator that did not include all parties, and
helped me resolve an issue important for advancing the process. Leave blank if Not
Applicable.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

12a. If yes, please elaborate on how the communication contributed to advancing the process:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
13. Using the scale provided, please rate your agreement with the following statements:

13a. I would recommend this type of process to colleagues in a similar situation.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

13b. We could not have progressed as far using any other approach of which I am aware.
0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

13c. The group could not have progressed as far without the help of a mediator/facilitator.

0 - Do not agree at all

5 - Moderately agree

10 - Completely agree

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
14. Overall, what did this collaborative process accomplish? (please select the MOST
important one):
a. A potentially costly or divisive dispute was likely avoided.
b. An impasse (stalemate) was broken.
c. A crisis was likely averted.
d. Conflict didn’t escalate.
e. Costly or protracted litigation was likely avoided.
f. Relationships among parties in this process were improved.
g. The process resulted in timely decisions and outcomes.
h. Nothing was accomplished.
i. The process made the issues or dispute worse.

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
14. Overall, what did this collaborative process accomplish? (please select the SECOND
MOST important one):
a. A potentially costly or divisive dispute was likely avoided.
b. An impasse (stalemate) was broken.
c. A crisis was likely averted.
d. Conflict didn’t escalate.
e. Costly or protracted litigation was likely avoided.
f. Relationships among parties in this process were improved.
g. The process resulted in timely decisions and outcomes.
h. Nothing was accomplished.
i. The process made the issues or dispute worse.

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
15. From your perspective, what will be the effects (e.g., impacts or benefits) of the progress made? PLEASE RANK
THE MOST IMPORTANT EFFECTS (E.G., 1ST MOST IMPORTANT, 2ND MOST IMPORTANT). PLEASE ALSO
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE EFFECTS.

15a. Natural resources and environmental conditions

15a. Please briefly describe the effects.

15b. Historic and cultural resources

15b. Please briefly describe the effects.

15c. Community and social conditions

15c. Please briefly describe the effects.

15d. Economic conditions

15d. Please briefly describe the effects.

15e. Recreational uses

15e. Please briefly describe the effects.

15f. Other

15f. Please briefly describe the effects.

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
16. What is your top suggestion on how this collaborative process could have been improved?
PLEASE WRITE "NONE" IF YOU FEEL THIS PROCESS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN
IMPROVED.

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
17. Which category best describes the interest or organization you represented in this
process? SELECT THE MOST APPROPRIATE OPTION ONLY.
a. Federal Government
b. State Government
c. Local/County/Regional Government
d. Tribal Government
e. Environmental/Conservation
f. Recreational
g. Industrial/Resource Extraction
h. Business/Commercial
i. Community or Private Citizen (e.g., neighborhood association, local resident)
j. Special Advocacy Interests
k. Other

If you selected j or k, please specify:

Base Survey: Mediation Participant Evaluation - Agreement Seeking
18. Please use the space below for any additional comments you would like to make.