Mediator Acceptability for Sustainable Trading Management: Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

This study develops and empirically validates a multidimensional scale for measuring mediator acceptability (MEDACCEPT) from a sustainable trading perspective. Moreover, it examines the developed scales’ ability to evaluate the impact of mediator selection. Data are collected from a professional research firm using 265 respondents who have mediation experience in export or import industrial areas. Although we initially identify seven dimensions, the research findings empirically identify the following five primary dimensions that drive mediator acceptability: status, legal expertise, procedural justice, restorative justice, and perceived confidentiality. Interestingly, while traditional mediation literature highlights the importance of a mediator’s skill and cultural expertise, our scales exclude these two constructs. The MEDACCEPT scales are salient only to firms that trade physical products, suggesting further research directions.