Mediator Strategies There are three basic mediator strategies
Mediator Strategies • There are three basic mediator strategies: – Communication Facilitation – Substantive Directive – Procedural Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
The Communication. Facilitation Strategy • This strategy is designed to enhance communication between parties and helps the mediator understand the conflict. This strategy is used throughout mediation but is most common in the first stages of mediation. There are three common tactics in this strategy: – Search for Information – Instruction – Supportive Communication Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
The Search for Information • about the nature of the conflict and the overall relationship between the parties Requests for information Requests for clarification Clarification statements Summarization of comments Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
Instruction • about the mediation process and constructive conflict management behaviors Explanation of the nature of mediation Rewarding constructive conflict behaviors Criticizing destructive conflict behaviors Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
Supportive Communication • to decrease defensiveness, aid the disputant’s in saving face, and establish trust in the mediator. Explanation of the mediator’s impartiality Expression of empathy Confirmation of the parties’ identities Rephrasing statements to reduce hostility Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
The Substantive-Directive Strategy • This strategy is designed to involve the mediator in the discussion of substantive issues in the conflict. These are contentoriented behaviors. Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
Tactics of Substantive Directive Strategy • Suggestions/recommendations for Action • Reality Testing designed to help the disputants realize options for action and the consequences of actions. Invoking social norms Detailing costs of disagreement Threatening to withdraw from mediation Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
Substantive-Directive. Tactics Cont’d • Empowerment Tactics that improve parties’ ability to get what they want or need. Helping parties recognize their goals Helping parties review their power resources Suggesting power resources the party may have Discussing possible consequences from achieving goals • Formalization of Final Agreement Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
The Procedural Strategy • This strategy constructs an efficient procedure for the flow of communication. It consists of three tactics: – Agenda-setting is proposing an order for the discussion of issues. Caucusing is conducting private meetings with each party. – Explanation of process Tricia S. Jones, Temple University, copyright protect, March 2006
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