Future directions in neutrality research: symmetry and transparency

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the neutrality literature and suggests areas ripe for future research. Design/methodology/approach -The authors reviewed journal articles on the topic of neutrality in mediation, which included theoretical viewpoints and empirical research on practicing mediators' understanding of neutrality. Findings -The review of literature revealed that party perspectives are largely missing from current neutrality literature. Two potential concepts emerged from the authors' review of literature that could potentially influence parties' attributions of mediator neutrality: symmetry and transparency. Symmetry refers to the equal treatment of parties, whereas transparency refers to providing an explanation of past or future behavior. Research on whether symmetry and transparency are key influences on party assessment of mediator neutrality could make a significant contribution to the field. Research limitations/implications -The authors call on researchers with diverse methodological perspectives to examine, from the party's perspective, important questions regarding the meaning of neutrality, mediator strategies to successfully enact neutrality and the impact of neutrality on mediation outcomes. Originality/value -Neutrality is arguably one of the most important concepts to the mediation field. Despite its significance to the field, only limited research has been conducted to better understand how neutrality is enacted in practice. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and provides a launching point for future research.The concept of neutrality is at the forefront of both mediator trainings and guidelines for standards of conduct. Neutrality is often included in descriptions of a mediator (i.e. "neutral third party") and is even sometimes substituted for the title of the mediator (i.e. "neutral"). The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on neutrality in mediation, providing a launching point for future research on this important topic.

Quand une partie tierce est une troisième chance : l’impact de la médiation sur la qualité de la relation avec l’entreprise dans la phase post-gestion de la réclamation

“…Deuxièmement, en se basant sur la littérature sur la résolution des conflits et la psychologie sociale (Lind et al, 1994 ; 1997 ; Tyler et Lind, 1992), la médiation diffère des autres parties tierces par sa promesse fondamentale de neutralité et d’absence de préjugés (Hale et Nix, 1997 ; Szejda Fehrenbach et Ebesu Hubbard, 2014). Elle suppose la prise en compte impartiale des intérêts de toutes les parties avec leur participation et représentation équilibrées (Fuller et al, 1992).…”

A Case Study: Neutrality Posture of the Mediator in Intercultural Mediation

“…The term neutrality is often present in the descriptions and definitions of a mediator. The mediator is often regarded as the neutral third person, Fehrenbach & al (2014). Thus, it is significant to have a brief overview of the definitions of neutrality in the context of conflict resolution to depict the meaning of neutrality for the study of this paper as well as how it is perceived.…”

When a third party is a third chance: The impact of mediation on relationship quality with the firm in the post-recovery stage

“…Second, building on conflict resolution and social psychology literature (Lind et al, 1994, 1997; Tyler and Lind, 1992), mediation differs from other third-party interventions in its foundational promise of neutrality and freedom from bias (Hale and Nix, 1997; Szejda Fehrenbach and Ebesu Hubbard, 2014). It entails the impartial consideration of the interests of disputing parties with balanced participation and representation for all parties (Fuller et al, 1992).…”