What is the use of a mediator in conflict resolution: mediator functions, methods and peculiarities of resolving the situation

The clash of interests, the quarrel caused by the divergence of views about this or that issue, are all conflict situations. Sometimes both opponents lose their composure and can not come to a consensus, which only aggravates the situation. The only way out here is to attract a third person - an intermediary. Why is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? What functions does it perform? The information below is helpful in answering these questions.

Who is the intermediary?

Mediator (mediator) is a person (a group of people) who helps in conflict resolution. Far from any conflict situation deserves the attention of the mediator. Disputes in which opponents can independently come to a truce, do not need outside interference. Mediation in conflict resolution is used when there are a lot of problems between the parties, and is also used as a model for resolving future conflict situations.

What is mediation?

This process is a systematic identification of problems, their solution, the search for an alternative, and also help in reaching a consensus (taking into account the interests of both sides).

Conflict resolution with the help of an intermediary allows you to reduce the negative attitude to no, weaken the passions, avoid the rupture of long-term relationships and assault, illegal actions. Mediation does not take into account the personal qualities of each participant in the conflict, if they do not interfere with the process of establishing a truce.

Mediation is aimed at eliminating the very conflict situation and preventing its development, repetition in the future. The events that precede the conflict, as well as the character traits of opponents, are not particularly important, although they should be taken into account by the mediator.

Intermediaries in the conflict and their functions

The mediator must have unquestioning authority on both sides, otherwise the process of resolution will not be effective, and the mediator can become a direct participant in the conflict. It is important that the mediator is interested in resolving the dispute: he must objectively assess the situation and not occupy either side as opposed to the other.

What is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? Social science gives the answer: the mediator is able to withdraw opponents from the conflict without causing any moral damage, infringement of the rights and interests of both sides.

The main tasks of the intermediary

Before starting work, the mediator must make sure that all the participants in the dispute are aware of each other's desires and needs, and also that his wards recognize the existence of a conflict situation.

The prerogative of the mediator is:

1. Development of a draft agreement, which each party must unconditionally accept.
2. Bringing to the opponents that all responsibility for the decisions made will rest solely on them.
3. Elimination of the negative between the participants in the dispute, caused by the conflict situation, through negotiations.

Why is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? By keeping full neutrality. The mediator must be impartial, his prerogative is to consider the opinion of each of the parties, and he can not take sides while resolving the conflict.

The mediator helps:

• Overcome the obstacles to the normal coexistence of participants in a conflict of interests.
• To direct all forces on search of alternative decisions.
• Coping with the negative, come to a consensus, while taking into account the interests and needs of all parties to the conflict.

What is the difference between a mediator's help and a psychological counseling

The goal of the mediator is to find a compromise, to work out a specific action plan to eliminate the conflict and its consequences. That is, the mediator is making efforts to solve a specific problem through a constructive dialogue between the two sides. Here there is no analysis of the internal turmoil of the participants in the conflict, the restoration of personal relationships, as well as the adjustment of the behavioral characteristics of individuals. Psychology deals with these issues, and mediation refers to sociology, since it does not take into account aspects of the human soul.

Why is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? The mediator controls the actions and dialogue of the participants in the controversial situation, thus being an instrument for regulating the social world. The mediator contributes to the establishment of equality in the dispute, as well as the normalization of everyday communication (at work, school, at home).

Methods of influence

There are three main methods for regulating the conflict situation by the intermediary:

1. Pressure on one of the conflicting parties.
2. Declination of all parties to the dispute to reconciliation.
3. Diplomacy.

In the first case, the mediator tries, with the help of suggestion and arguments, to make one of the parties believe in his wrong. As a result, the opponent surrenders and makes concessions.

The tendency to reconciliation lies in constant work with each of the participants in the dispute, explaining the incorrectness of the position. The mediator explains to the individuals how wrong their actions and words are directed towards the opponents.

With the diplomatic resolution of the problem, the mediator uses individual conversations with the participants in the conflict, leading them to possible ways out of the negative situation and coordinating them with each of the parties.

What knowledge should a mediator have?

Participating in the settlement of the conflict situation, the mediator must know that:

1. It is necessary to talk individually with each of the parties.
2. During the dialogue, one should establish own rules prohibiting the manifestation of aggression and physical violence.
3. The procedure for eliminating the negative is carried out exclusively in a confidential and calm environment.
4. It is important for the opponents to convey information that the subject of the dispute is that barrier to a constructive dialogue that needs to be overcome.
5. Stimulation of conversation is his prerogative.
6. The decision to end the confrontation should suit everyone and be mutual.

Why is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? The fact that in a protracted dispute, both parties can avoid interference by the security forces only through the participation of the mediator. However, it is worthwhile to know that by themselves mediators are not lawyers and can not give any advice related to legal norms.

Youth conflicts and mediation

The most unpredictable, emotional and mentally unbalanced age is the pubertal period. Conflict situations among peers can arise on any issue, whether it is elementary external dissimilarity or rivalry, struggle for attention of the opposite sex.

How useful is the mediator in resolving youth conflicts? Thanks to the mediator, the dispute can be resolved quickly and without some dangerous moments (violence, mutual insults). The mediator here can be an adult or a more experienced individual of the same age with participants in a negative situation. The authority of the mediator must be unshakeable on both sides, otherwise it will be impossible to reach an agreement.

Volunteers from public organizations, teachers, parents and close relatives, as well as more authoritative peers are usually the mediators.

What is the mediator useful in resolving the conflict? Examples from life

Mediation is necessary in those cases when the conflict situation starts to go beyond the limits, that is, the parties go over to individuals, start insulting each other, defending their interests. But it is enough for them to explain that their needs can be fully satisfied, as there is the possibility of constructive dialogue.

Examples of the activities of the intermediary:

• In family. Between the sister and brother there was a conflict on the basis of misunderstanding, they begin to quickly find out the relationship. In a negative situation, the father of children interferes - his authority is unshakable, which means that they will listen to the parent's opinion. Acting as an intermediary, the father uses a method of pressure or a method of inducing both sides to reconciliation. Another example is the divorce proceedings. The third person helps the participants in the conflict to settle the issue of further education of children.
• At work. One of the employees expressed dissatisfaction with another member of the collective, to which he responded with mutual reproaches. This escalated the conflict. In the role of an intermediary, the person occupying a leading position is here. It is the boss who can competently judge the participants in the quarrel. In most cases, the mediator uses the method of pressure or shuttle diplomacy to resolve the situation.
• On learning. Conflicting students or students can be judged by a teacher, director, dean, a person who has authority in their eyes. The clash of adolescents is difficult to prevent, but it is even more difficult to resolve it. The mediator in this situation applies the method of diplomacy or tries to gently lead the world to all participants in the confrontation.