<P> Conflict is a social process that is exacerbated when individual members of a group take sides in the debate . Among the methods to resolve conflict is mediation of the dispute by a group member not currently involved in the dispute . More specifically, a mediator is defined as a person who attempts to resolve a conflict between two group members by intervening in this conflict . Put simply, the mediator can be thought of as a disinterested guide directs the disputants through the process of developing a solution to a disagreement (Forsyth, 2006). </P> <P> Although the tendency will be for group members who are uninvolved in the dispute to remain uninvolved, in some cases, the sheer intensity of the conflict may escalate to the point where mediation is unavoidable . Third party mediation of the conflict opens avenues for communication between group members in conflict . It allows members to express their opinions and request clarification of other member's standpoints while the mediator acts as a form of protection against any shame or "loss of face" that either disputant may experience . This can be done by shedding a positive light on the reconciliation that was made during the mediation process . For instance, if it was negotiated that two cashiers will rotate the weekends they work, the mediator might point out that now each worker gets a weekend off every two weeks (Forsyth, 2006). </P> <P> The mediator can also offer assistance in refining solutions and making counter-offers between members, adjusting the time and location of meetings so that they are mutually satisfying for both parties (Forsyth, 2006). </P> <P> According to Forsyth (2006), there are three major mediation approaches: Inquisitorial procedure - Using this procedure, the mediator asks each of the disputants a series of questions, considers the two sets of responses, and then selects and imposes a mandatory solution on the members . The inquisitorial procedure is the least popular approach to mediation . </P>

The person or group who starts a conflict