Lived experiences of parties to mediation : an exploration of relationship changes in workplace mediation

Tallodi, Timea

Abstract

There is a large conceptual literature suggesting that mediation has wide-ranging benefits across situations, including improvement in parties’ relationships (Bennett and Hughes, 2005; Doherty and Guyler, 2008). Although fewer quantitative studies also investigate the outcomes of mediation (Hedeen, 2004, Shaw 2010), the literature falls short of academic qualitative studies involving parties to mediation, and especially lacking are interpretative enquiries (Hoskins and Stoltz, 2003). Therefore, the main aim of this study was to provide an in-depth exploration of mediation parties’ personal experiences of mediation, any potential relationship change, and their perceptions of these. Using the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), semi-structured interviews were conducted with five parties to workplace mediation. Facilitative workplace mediation was chosen for this study due to the predominantly ongoing nature and the intensity of parties’ relationship after mediation (Brubaker et al., 2014). This thesis presents the nuanced analysis of five individual cases, followed by three overarching superordinate themes, and seven main themes, identified across cases. Stress as participants’ primary experience in conflict and mediation as a means to relieve stress are explored, linking mediation to psychological models of stress, a new perspective. The importance of participants’ perception of the mediator demonstrating genuine understanding and support is highlighted in successful relationship-building. The significance of individual intake conversations, and participants’ experience of mediation as being predominantly a learning process, are explained, highlighting novel angles of mediation. The thesis describes mediation as facilitating the way to a relationship on new grounds, with parties’ openness to change as a prerequisite. The themes are discussed in the context of theory, research and practice, and are used to formulate recommendations to practice and research.

Citation

Tallodi, T. Lived experiences of parties to mediation : an exploration of relationship changes in workplace mediation. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223468

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: Law
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223468
• Additional Information: Law School, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Aug 1, 2015