Related Experiment Videos
Perceptions of the ideal mediator: an Israeli-Palestinian example
A Paul Hare1, Bassam Al Ashhab, Gideon M Kressel
1Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel. paulhare@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Psychological Reports
|January 16, 2004
Summary
Different groups perceive ideal mediators differently. While both Israeli Jews and Palestinians favored a task-oriented mediator, Israeli Jews desired a significantly friendlier mediator than Palestinians did.
Area of Science:
- Conflict Resolution
- Social Psychology
- International Relations
Background:
- Mediation research often overlooks differing perceptions of ideal mediator traits among conflicting parties.
- Understanding these divergent views is crucial for effective conflict resolution strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the desired personality traits of an ideal mediator between Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
- To highlight how cultural or group perspectives influence mediator selection criteria.
Main Methods:
- Utilized survey data collected from Israeli Jews and Palestinians during the early phase of the 2001 intifada (uprising).
- Analyzed responses regarding preferred mediator characteristics, focusing on task-orientation and friendliness.
Main Results:
- Both groups agreed on the importance of a task-oriented mediator.
- Israeli Jews expressed a preference for a mediator over three times as friendly compared to the preference of Palestinians.
Conclusions:
- Group identity and political context significantly shape perceptions of ideal mediator qualities.
- Future mediation efforts must account for these diverse preferences to enhance effectiveness and build trust.