The mediator’s role is, rather, to assist the parties in reaching a settlement of the dispute. Unlike an arbitrator or a judge, the mediator is not a decision-maker. A party to mediation cannot be forced to accept an outcome that it does not like.Mediation is a non-binding procedure controlled by the parties.The principal characteristics of mediation Mediation is an efficient and cost-effective way of achieving that result while preserving, and at times even enhancing, the relationship of the parties. Any settlement is recorded in an enforceable contract.Įxperience shows that intellectual property litigation often ends in settlement. In a mediation procedure, a neutral intermediary, the mediator, helps the parties to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of their dispute. However, the principles of mediation require only that the facilitator is able to understand the objectives, beliefs and perceptions of the parties – and then facilitate mutual changes of position until the two parties can agree. In some cases the mediator might need to understand the contract law or to have access to comparative data. It involves two parties who jointly invite a third party to facilitate reaching an agreement. Mediation is the act of mediating or intervention. Mediation/ Reconciliation’s difference from Negotiation? …………………………….6 The principal characteristics of mediation …………………………………….2 Hence a theory of negotiation and mediation is essential for understanding topics as diverse as industrial relations, interoffice coordination, corporate mergers, group decision making, and international relations. Opposing preferences are found in all social arenas, from relations between children on the playground to business organizations. Mediation is a variation on negotiation in which one or more mediators (“third parties”) assist the parties in their discussion. There is no limit to the number of parties (“disputants”) who can take part in negotiation, but two-party negotiations are the kind most often studied. Negotiation involves discussion between the parties with the goal of reaching agreement. Negotiation and mediation are procedures for resolving opposing preferences between parties. This report presents an overview of the behavioral literature on negotiation and mediation.