Effectiveness of Mediation Strategies in Rights Conflicts and Conflicts of Interest

Abstract

In this study we analyse contingent effectiveness of mediation strategies in labour conflicts differentiating between rights conflicts and conflicts of interests. In addition, we analyse gender differences in the use of mediation strategies. Considering Kressel and Pruitt (1985, Journal of Social Issues, 41, 179-198), taxonomy on mediation strategies, professional labour mediators responded to a survey about the strategies they used and the outcomes they achieved in their most recent mediation intervention. Regarding the effectiveness of mediation strategies, we hipothetized that the effectiveness of mediation strategies will vary according to the type of conflict (rights or interests) in the sense that reflexive, substantive and contextual strategies will be more effective in conflicts of interests than in rights conflicts. With regard to gender differences, we hipothetized that there will be differences between genders as regards to the use of mediation strategies in the sense that men will employ substantive strategies in greater measure than women.

Keywords: Labour mediation, rights conflicts, conflicts of interests