Disputant Preferences
What types of mediation are most preferred by disputants? Participants in mediation generally prefer (a) control over outcome, such that a neutral third party would help disputants reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, (b) control over process such that disputants would relay information on their own behalf without the help of a representative, and (c) either substantive rules that disputants would have agreed to before the resolution process or the rules typically used in court
Mediators and Gender
A comparison of male versus female mediators revealed that females were more transformative, but no less instrumental than male mediators, in their view of the goals of mediation. Female mediators were more facilitative, whereas male mediators were more directive. Perceptions of mediator effectiveness however, reveal a gender bias. Male mediators are perceived more favor ably than their female counterparts.
CHALLENGES FACING THIRD PARTIES
A number of challenges face the third party.