Developing the conversation about workplace mediation

Abstract

This article examines some of the latest writing and research in relation to conflict in work and workplace mediation. It considers three specific issues of size and sector of organisations, the attitude of organisations to conflict and the employee relations environment in organisations. It reviews the various views in relation to fundamental aspects of mediation such as the neutral third party, voluntarism, informality and confidentiality to inform thinking as well as practitioner and academic conversations. The most recent research in relation to the use of workplace mediation, the agreement reached and satisfaction is also presented. Research into the use of workplace mediation demonstrates that there are differences across countries and sectors. The broader issues related to evaluation of workplace mediation and organisation culture implications of workplace mediation for conflict management are then considered.