NCJ Number
97721
Journal
Journal of Conflict Resolution Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1981) Pages: 157-180
Date Published
1981
Length
24 pages
Annotation
A mediation paradigm is presented and used to analyze the mediation process, to systematically categorize mediation techniques and to underpin a literature review and future research strategies.
Abstract
The mediated negotiation system is composed of the mediator, two negotiators, and the interrelationships among them. The environment of this system includes constituents, third parties, and factors such as economic pressures and institutional constraints which affect the negotiation. The relationships within the paradigm are exchanges in which each individual's (mediator, negotiator, and constituents) total rewards, total costs, and total net outcomes are the summation of those accruing from all of his relationships. Behavior is determined by each individual's total net outcomes, comparison level (standards or goals aspired to), and alternative outcomes (the summation of differences between probable rewards and costs accruing from a failure to interact/agree with the others). Within the context of this paradigm inter-negotiator, mediator-negotiator, negotiator-constituency, third party-negotiation system, and mediator-mediator's constituent relationships and techniques are examined. Specific mediation techniques, categorized by relationship in the mediated negotiation paradigm and including references to the literature, are presented in tabular form. The paradigm's utility in guiding future research also is discussed, and 55 references are listed.