Explorative Mediation at Work : The Importance of Dialogue for Mediation Practice

Exploring and critiquing various methods of mediation, thisinnovative book critically develops a new explorative practice in the field.Considering ways in which mediators may influence disputing parties, especiallyin the workplace where mediators are paid to intervene, Explorative Mediationat Work questions the commonclaim that mediation is a neutral intervention. The difference between offeringminimally intrusive support and acting to secure a containment and evensuppression of workplace conflict is heavily dependent upon a mediator''spractices.  At worst, engineering resolution may tarnish mediation''sreputation for impartiality. At best, mediation can win the trust of parties inconflict, facilitate a democratic engagement and be of real benefit toorganizations. This book aims to demonstrate the latter in proposing a practicethat supports parties to seek out dialogue from which relationships may berebuilt and practical problems resolved.