What type of resolution is typically sought through mediation?

In the context of mediation, the primary goal is to facilitate a resolution that is mutually agreeable to all parties involved. Mediation is a collaborative process where an impartial third party, the mediator, assists the disputing parties in negotiating a resolution to their conflict. The emphasis is on reaching a joint agreement that satisfies the interests and needs of everyone involved, rather than imposing a solution.

By focusing on dialogue and understanding, mediation enables parties to communicate openly, which can lead to creative solutions that might not be achievable in more adversarial settings like litigation or arbitration. The outcome of mediation is not predetermined, allowing the parties to have control over the resolution process and fostering a sense of ownership over the agreement they reach.

In contrast, litigation involves formal court proceedings where a judge or jury makes a binding decision, and arbitration is a more structured process where an arbitrator makes a decision for the parties, typically with less flexibility than mediation. Customer service interventions usually do not involve the same level of negotiation or conflict resolution as mediation does.