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Bob: Mediation as Experiences of Breaking the ‘Barrier’ and Unrealistic Expectations

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How Parties Experience Mediation

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Abstract

This chapter presents the fine-grained analysis of Bob’s case. Bob has been working as a supervisor at a public organisation in England for 7 years and in conflict with Helen for 6–7 years. The analysis explores power dynamics between Bob and Helen highlighting Bob’s perceptions of Helen as being powerful enough to manipulate managers despite her being in a subordinate position and Helen’s power as a source of strain. Conflict is explicated as having a strong negative impact on the work environment and leading to Bob’ breakdown. The analysis explores Bob’s perceptions of mediation as a catalyst for change in the dyad leading to ‘jumping at the end of the plank’ and a source of strong ambivalent feelings. It is highlighted that whilst mediation greatly contributed to Bob’s reappraisal of his life aims and promoted improvement in Bob’s working relationship with Helen, change in their personal relationship and in the wider working environment were not achieved. The analysis highlights the importance of realistic expectations towards mediation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Law, University of Essex, Colchester, UK

    Timea Tallodi

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Tallodi, T. (2019). Bob: Mediation as Experiences of Breaking the ‘Barrier’ and Unrealistic Expectations. In: How Parties Experience Mediation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28239-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28239-4_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-28238-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-28239-4

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