Mediators facilitate communication, explore interests, test positions, and propose approaches without imposing a resolution. Styles range from facilitative to evaluative, with evaluative mediators offering assessments of the merits.
Certification and qualification requirements vary.
Alternative Names:
Mediation Neutral, Neutral Mediator
Why it Matters?
Style selection matters more than credentials for most disputes, since an evaluative mediator who will tell a party its case is weak is useful where unrealistic expectations are the obstacle, while a facilitative approach suits disputes where the parties need to construct a creative resolution. Subject matter experience is separately valuable in technical cases, where a mediator who understands the underlying issues can test positions credibly.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes evaluative from facilitative mediation?
Which style suits which dispute?
