Mediation as a practical tool for conflict resolution within workplaces in Iceland

Employees’ different personalities and ideas can lead to workplace conflicts that can be detrimental to businesses. To prevent them from escalating into larger ones, it is critical to address them adequately. The utilization of mediation’s methodology within workplaces has been gradual over the years because businesses find it efficient, flexible, and time- and costeffective conflict resolution. Thus, the current study’s hypothesis stated that mediation would be a practical tool for conflict resolution within workplaces in Iceland. This was examined with qualitative interviews based on a semi-structured frame of questions to answer further whether and how mediation can be applied within workplaces in Iceland. The study’s participants were 11 individuals that worked in various workplaces in Iceland. The selection criteria for participants were that they had attended a mediation course. The results indicated that mediation is a practical tool for conflict resolution within workplaces in Iceland. Further, participants found that a mediation course impacted their previous working methods, they saw more benefits than drawbacks in utilizing mediation, and participants had a vision of how to enhance mediation in Iceland in the future. Therefore, businesses in Iceland should unite behind mediation and encourage healthy communication among employees to ensure long-term business success. Keywords: conflict, conflict resolution, mediation, workplace

Author dc:creator

• Helga Kristín Ingólfsdóttir 1996-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Sálfræði
• Sáttaumleitanir
• Ágreiningur
• Vinnustaðir
• Psychology
• Conflict Resolution
• Workplace

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/42155

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/42155