Why One-Size-Fits-All Mediation Doesn’t Work
New Research Shows the Power of Adaptivity
Peter T. Coleman
A recent study reveals that mediators who can adapt their approach based on the specific challenges they are facing in the situation are more successful than those who stick to a single style. The research challenges the notion that there’s one “best” way to mediate conflicts.
Think about it: One day, a mediator might help two neighbors calmly discuss a property line dispute. The next day, they could face an emotionally charged family conflict with years of hidden grievances. Should they use the same approach in both situations? The research suggests definitely not.
The study introduced a new way to measure what they call “mediator behavioral adaptivity” — essentially, how well mediators can switch between standard techniques for straightforward situations and specialized strategies for more challenging conflicts. They surveyed experienced mediators and found that those who reported being skilled in both types of approaches had better outcomes across the board.
Specifically, mediators who showed higher adaptivity reported: greater satisfaction with mediation outcomes; better ability to handle challenging situations; higher levels of self-efficacy (confidence in their abilities); and increased sense of empowerment in their role.
What makes this research particularly compelling is that it moves beyond the traditional debate about which mediation style is superior. Instead, it suggests that the key to effective mediation lies in having a diverse toolkit and knowing when to use different tools. The researchers found that this adaptability was more important than years of experience or preferred mediation style in predicting successful outcomes.
The findings suggest that mediation training should focus less on mastering a single approach and more on developing flexibility and situational awareness. This could mean teaching mediators how to “read” conflict situations and select appropriate strategies, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
For anyone involved in conflict resolution — whether as a professional mediator, manager, or leader — the message is clear: developing a flexible, adaptive approach to handling conflicts is more effective than rigidly adhering to a single style. As conflicts become increasingly complex in our interconnected world, the ability to adapt mediation strategies to match the situation’s unique demands becomes not just helpful, but essential.
Kugler, K. and Coleman, P. T. (2024). One Style Does Not Fit All: The Relationship of Mediator Behavioral Adaptivity to Mediator Empowerment, Efficacy, and Satisfaction. International Journal of Conflict Management. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ijcma-03-2024-0060/full/html?skipTracking=true