In the context of conflict resolution, what is the role of a mediator?

In the context of conflict resolution, the role of a mediator is primarily to gather facts about the conflict from the involved parties. This is crucial because a mediator's objective is to facilitate communication between the parties, understand their perspectives, and identify the underlying issues at play. By collecting information from everyone involved, the mediator can create an environment where each party feels heard, which is essential for a collaborative resolution to emerge.

Mediators do not impose solutions or penalties, nor do they make decisions on behalf of the parties. Their focus is on fostering dialogue and helping each party explore potential resolutions collaboratively. This distinguishes the mediator's role from that of an arbitrator or a judge, who would be expected to make binding decisions or enforce penalties. Thus, gathering facts not only aids the mediator in understanding the conflict but also helps in guiding the discussions towards a mutually acceptable resolution.