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Advancing Workplace Mediation Through Integration of Theory and Practice pp 39–53Cite as

Workplace Mediation: Searching for Underlying Motives and Interests

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Part of the book series: Industrial Relations & Conflict Management ((IRCM))

Abstract

This chapter argues and illustrates with a case study that an efficient mediation of a conflict between two or more conflict partners should be based on the analysis of the underlying structure of the conflict. This underlying deep structure of the conflict is formed of unfulfilled motives and wishes. One of these crucial hidden aspects is the experience of injustice. We assume that only by taking into account the underlying motives and practicing a communication of mutual understanding, the core (or “deep structure”) of the conflict can be fully understood and sustainably solved. This is essential both for economical and non-monetary issues. This chapter is based on a theoretical perspective of social conflicts, however it also offers practical support as well as references to methods for the practice of workplace mediation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany

    Elisabeth Kals, Kathrin Thiel & Susanne Freund

Authors
  1. Elisabeth Kals
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  2. Kathrin Thiel
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  3. Susanne Freund
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elisabeth Kals .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Research and Development, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands

    Katalien Bollen

  2. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Martin Euwema

  3. Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

    Lourdes Munduate

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Kals, E., Thiel, K., Freund, S. (2016). Workplace Mediation: Searching for Underlying Motives and Interests. In: Bollen, K., Euwema, M., Munduate, L. (eds) Advancing Workplace Mediation Through Integration of Theory and Practice. Industrial Relations & Conflict Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42842-0_3

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