What Makes Parties Trust Mediators?

Author: Poitras, Jean

Source: Negotiation Journal, Volume 25, Number 3, July 2009 , pp. 307-325(19)

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Abstract:

The relationship of trust between mediators and parties is a key element of the mediation process. This article reviews the trust relationship from the parties' perspectives. A qualitative research methodology was used to identify five key factors explaining why parties trust their mediator: degree of mastery over the process, explanation of the process, warmth and consideration, chemistry with the parties, and lack of bias toward either party. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Keywords: mediation; trust; mediator conflict; phenomenology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1571-9979.2009.00228.x

Publication date: 2009-07-01