Mediation in the Enterprise. A New Approach Needed?

Values set the desired course of action in an enterprise. They are a kind of bonding and expression of the corporate culture, which determines how conflicts are understood, resolved, and managed. A problem that negatively affects the enterprise's productivity is the lack of effective conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms. Thus, mediation as a non-confrontational method of diagnosing and resolving conflicts should be a key element of the corporate culture in the enterprise. Does this mean that a new approach to the institution of mediation is needed? To answer this question, the subject of conflicts in the enterprise is discussed first. Then, the need is indicated to have internal dispute resolution procedures operational in the enterprise, which should also include a system for preventing the occurrence of disputes and dealing with possible court proceedings. In the last part, the issue of the mediator is presented, considering the role that the mediator plays, which is to provide professional assistance in the amicable resolution of disputes arising in the workplace.