NCJ Number
120284
Journal
Negotiation Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1989) Pages: 251-264
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Using a scorable three-party mediation model, the authors examine non-neutral mediation strategies and conclude that activist mediation can be used effectively in public sector community planning conflicts.
Abstract
The mediation model simulates a community planning conflict in the fictional town of Westville, where a task force proposes turning the old social service center into a shelter for the community's homeless. Those who live in the neighborhood near the proposed shelter fear that its presence will lower their property values. To defuse the potential adversarial atmosphere, a third-party mediator joins the opposing parties. The pressures and conflicts facing the planning task force members are discussed, along with the need to disavow neutrality and aid biased activists mediators in carrying out their work: to protect relationships with other parties; to seek joint gains; to protect outside political interests; and to promote substantive interests. More research on activist mediation should be undertaken since it is the form most often used in developing public policies. 15 footnotes.