More on Field-Based Mediation Research
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Michael Leathes in his recent thought provoking post argues for the need for more “field-based” mediation research by which he means actual observations of the live action by skilled researchers. He poses the questions:
- “Has the mediation world spent too long developing lab-based facts to suit its theories?
- Might it start to hone new theories of mediation excellence from field-based facts?”
These are important questions and I share Mr. Leathes hope that his post will stir a reaction. Indeed, here’s one now!
While more research on all aspects of mediation is always needed, my concern is that the over-resourcing of field-based research seeking evidence of effective mediation techniques will inevitably result in under-resourcing more import areas of mediation research – areas that would likely lead to increasing the utilization of the mediation process. I am reminded of a quote attributed to marketing expert, Phillip Kotler, “if you chase two monkeys, both will escape”
My perspective is that of a commercial mediator with more than 4,000 matters mediated over almost 30 years and that of an adjunct professor teaching Mediation Theory & Practice to upper year law students.
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