The impact of mediator strategic choices: An experimental study

Abstract

Abstract This experimental study of mediator strategic‐choice behavior examines disputants' perceptions of mediator competence, disputants' potential reframing behavior, and the choices of conflict management message style that disputants make in response to mediator behavior. The study focuses on disputants' responses and behaviors that result from mediator facilitation strategies, as originally defined by the strategic‐choice model. The data suggest that mediators can manipulate positive mediation outcomes by employing various strategic‐choice facilitation strategies. Evidence presented suggests ways to overcome the negative consequences of a double standard for evaluating mediator competence, often used by disputants when a mediator successfully mediates.