strategy model for workplace mediation success

Abstract

This article proposes a three-step model to help workplace mediators decide on the optimum strategy for mediating workplace disputes. The model uses a grid – the Workplace Mediation Strategy Grid – which is based on a modified version of a grid Professor Leonard Riskin developed for categorising mediation orientations. The model asks the mediator to first consider the nature of the workplace dispute based on three facets of the dispute. This guides the mediator to plot a position on the Grid which represents two fundamental aspects of strategy for mediating that dispute: (1) how broadly the problem should be defined by the mediator and (2) the style of mediation that the mediator should use. The mediator implements this strategy improving the likelihood of a fair and positive outcome for the disputing parties.