The Basic Components of Mediation
Mediators can learn several lessons from the study of Hammer’s (2002, 2005) cultural typology. (1) Some disputants believe starting a conversation with a direct expression of the conflict is rude or embarrassing. More pre-mediation work or general background conversation may be needed before getting into the heart of the issue with those who prefer indirect expression of issues. With disputants at the extreme ends of the directness to-indirectness continuum, shuttle mediation may be the most efficient method, as the mediator can adapt to each disputant’s style. (2) When one disputant is from a high emotionally expressive culture and the other is from a low one, the mismatch may make everyone uncomfortable (including the mediator). The high expression of emotion may be frightening to those unfamiliar with cultures that are louder, more exuberant, and use bigger gestures. Conversely, the low expression of emotion may be perceived as a lack of involvement or caring by those who prefer more energetic conversations. The mediator must parse what behaviors mean in their cultural contexts. Is a loud disputant trying to intimidate the other party or just from a highly expressive culture? Some Black Americans prefer a more emotionally expressive style of communication. If a mediator works with two Black American disputants who share a very expressive style, should the mediator follow the narrow strictures of the European American model or allow a more energetic exchange (see Davidheiser, 2008)? A study of culture raises many questions about how a mediator chooses to control the flow of a session.
