How and why the presence of social category diversity dictates procedures during mediation.

Abstract

Through a multiple case study of the perceptions' of four mediators, this dissertation addresses how and why social category diversity dictates mediation procedures. The researcher delves into the world of governmental, non-governmental and military environments to provide viewpoints that capture a diverse audience. This literature review covers areas such as: group dynamics, self and social identification, diversity, conflict, alternate dispute resolution, discrimination, mediation, affirmative action and equal employment opportunity (EEO).

The researcher discovered that three out of four mediators felt that social category diversity did not affect the mediation process. She found that gender diversity had the greatest impact on the mediation process. The study also adds richness to the current theory by bringing to life and giving a face to the mediators behind the scenes.

Despite increasing efforts to address diversity, it remains a topic of discussion in most workgroups. Diversity has been considered a double-edged sword creating conflict in some cases, but mediating it in others. It is what Oprah Winfrey defines as "hard to wrap your brain around." Diversity can be surface level or non-surface level, but either can create the greatest conflict or mediate the most volatile environment.