Instead, the problems inherent in any organization mediating its own disputes are largely reflective of the growing pains experienced by the maturation of the field as a whole. Perception of fairness. One widespread concern is whether internal neutrals are fair. Parties usually feel that by using internal mediators the agency is showing its unwillingness to create a level playing field. A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Any parent understands that adolescents and teenagers know everything.
Sometimes, the consequences can be very damaging. In one case, a large federal agency designed an internal ADR procedure that combined elements of fact-finding, neutral evaluation, and mediation, and made it part of the formal EEO process. However, the agency initially failed to provide the neutral panels with mediation training. While the panels did achieve settlements, all parties were dissatisfied with the process and resented it being forced on them. This gave ADR and mediation a bad reputation within the agency.