NCJ Number
101113
Journal
Environmental Impact Assessment Review Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1986) Pages: 55-70
Date Published
1986
Length
16 pages
Annotation
To elucidate factors important in the evaluation of environmental mediation, an examination was conducted of 81 cases in which mediators affiliated with an environmental mediation organization attempted to mediate environmental disputes ranging from small-scale conflicts (the location of a parking lot) to major ones (the siting of a regional hazardous waste facility).
Abstract
The study was conducted in 1983 and included case records, interviews, and secondary data collection and analysis. The process and outcome was assessed of cases with and without extensive mediation and/or signed agreements. In a majority of failed cases (no signed agreement reached), participants and observers reported significant procedural contributions from mediators. While mediators appraised the outcome of the case in terms of improved relations, new options, and greater negotiation between disputants, process-oriented criteria (e.g., understanding options, learning negotiation skills) in evaluating the success of the mediation. Thus, many clients were satisfied with the mediator's performance even when a signed agreement was not the outcome. Results suggest that the success of mediation should be evaluated in terms of the degree to which it enables the disputants to increase affective and cognitive awareness about their relationships and the matter in dispute. 9 references.