Knowledge, action and public concern: the logic underlying mediators' actions in French labour conflicts

Abstract

Since the early 1980s, a rich research literature on mediation has evolved. Mediation is becoming the norm for organizations facing individual or collective conflicts. The lack of empirical research confuses what mediators do and why they do it, confusion made even worse by a strong cultural dimension. Based on interviews with 54 French labour mediators, we have identified four logics of actions and the explaining variables. On the whole they appear as less than neutral. Their own ideology and time constraints are salient variables.

Keywords:

• conflict management
• mediation
• negotiating tactics