Impact of Mediation Techniques on Conflict Resolution Outcomes in Workplace Disputes in Ghana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ejcm.2081Keywords:
Mediation Techniques, Conflict Resolution, Workplace DisputesAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of mediation techniques on conflict resolution outcomes in workplace disputes in Ghana.
Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study indicate that effective mediation significantly enhances the resolution of workplace conflicts by fostering communication, understanding, and cooperation among disputing parties. Techniques such as active listening, where mediators attentively listen to all parties involved, and reframing, which involves presenting issues in a more constructive manner, are particularly impactful. These techniques help to de-escalate tensions and enable participants to view the conflict from different perspectives, leading to more collaborative problem-solving.
Moreover, the use of interest-based mediation, which focuses on identifying the underlying interests and needs of the parties rather than their positions, has been shown to yield more sustainable and satisfactory outcomes.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social exchange theory, transactional analysis and systemic approach may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of mediation techniques on conflict resolution outcomes in workplace disputes in Ghana. Invest in comprehensive mediator training programs that emphasize a diverse range of mediation techniques, including active listening, empathy-building, reframing narratives, and promoting participant autonomy. Develop guidelines and standards for the use of online mediation platforms, considering factors such as data security, accessibility, technological literacy, and equitable access to digital resources.
Downloads
References
Adams, B., & Oliveira, M. (2021). A systemic perspective on conflict resolution. Journal of Organizational Conflict Resolution, 29(2), 245-260.
Alexander, N. (2019). The evolution of mediation in the UK: Trends and impacts. *Journal of Conflict Resolution*, 63(4), 654-670. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002718792071
Brown, A. (2022). Mediator training and competence in workplace mediation: A critical analysis. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 48(2), 215-230.
Bush, R. A. B., & Folger, J. P. (2019). The promise of mediation: Responding to conflict through empowerment and recognition (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
de Oliveira, J. C. (2019). Mediation and access to justice in Brazil: A critical analysis. Revista de Direito, 25(2), 125-140. https://doi.org/10.20990/rd.v25i2.2389
Folger, J. P., & Bush, R. A. B. (2018). Transformative mediation: A sourcebook (4th ed.). Springer.
Genn, H. (2018). Evaluating mediation as an alternative to litigation in the UK. *Dispute Resolution Journal*, 73(1), 15-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2230.2018.00689.x
Gibson, E. (2018). The role of mediation techniques in resolving workplace conflicts: A review of literature. International Journal of Conflict Management, 35(1), 45-60.
Gupta, P. (2020). Challenges and outcomes of mediation in India. Indian Journal of Legal Studies, 47(3), 320-335. https://doi.org/10.1177/0971523119895552
Hedeen, T. (2019). Mediation and settlement rates in the USA: An empirical study. *Conflict Resolution Quarterly*, 36(2), 123-139. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21235
Jones, B. (2019). Comparative analysis of mediation techniques in workplace disputes: A case study approach. Journal of Organizational Conflict Resolution, 27(3), 310-325.
Kumar, A. (2019). Effectiveness of mediation in India: A socio-legal analysis. Journal of Dispute Resolution, 15(1), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3357742
McDermott, E. P., & Obar, R. (2018). Participant satisfaction in mediation: An analysis. *Harvard Negotiation Law Review*, 24(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3157742
Molm, L. (2019). Social exchange theory. In P. J. Burke (Ed.), Contemporary Social Psychological Theories (pp. 87-110). Springer.
Muthoni, R. (2019). Traditional and modern mediation practices in South Africa. African Journal of Conflict Resolution, 19(3), 213-228. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajcr.v19i3.13
Omolo, J. A. (2018). Community-based mediation in Kenya: Trends and impacts. East African Law Journal, 25(4), 276-289. https://doi.org/10.1163/15723747-02504008
Sanchez, C. (2021). Mediation and ADR in Mexico: Current trends and future prospects. *Mexican Law Review*, 53(2), 205-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mlr.2021.03.003
Sander, F. E. A. (2020). The future of narrative mediation: A new source of creativity for practitioners (2nd ed.). Lexington Books.
Siqueira, J. (2021). ADR and judicial efficiency in Brazil: Trends and future directions. Brazilian Law Review, 60(2), 89-106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020852321998994
Smith, C. (2021). Mediation techniques and their impact on participant satisfaction: A study of workplace disputes. Journal of Mediation Research, 42(4), 475-490.
Sourdin, T. (2021). Evaluative mediation: Principles and practice. Routledge.
Stewart, I., & Joines, V. (2020). TA Today: A New Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Lifespace Publishing.
Thompson, D. (2023). The influence of online mediation platforms on conflict resolution outcomes in workplace disputes: An empirical study. Journal of Technology and Conflict Resolution, 17(1), 80-95.
Williams, L. (2020). Mediator expertise and its role in shaping conflict resolution outcomes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Workplace Conflict Resolution, 15(2), 180-195.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 John Allotey
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
