Mediation
is Likely to be More Appropriate Than Other Approaches When:
* The parties are willing to negotiate
* Both parties want to retain control of
the outcome of the resolution process
* Concerns are expressed over the ongoing
relationship
* People do not really want legal action
or punitive judgement
* Legal or formal actions not possible
or likely to succeed
* Facts are not clear or it is difficult
to gather evidence
* Strong emotions are expressed over a
seemingly trivial problem
* Communication has broken down or never
started
* The lack of trust is an issue
* Negotiations have become deadlocked
* Fear of reprisal when statutory agency
officer contacts complainee
* Tenure differences exist and the same
rules of powers do not apply equally
* There is a reasonable power balance between
the parties
* There are multiple dispute issues
* Complexity is introduced because other problems
are mixed in with the neighbour problem (e.g. sensitivity due to
metal or physical health, attention seeking due to personal circumstances,
family difficulties)
