The Advantages of Mediation. There are advantages to mediation beyond the lower cost. The process by its nature is empowering with parties involved having a greater degree of ownership over negotiation and the final agreement. A mediator is not judge and jury. They do not put forward their own solution nor do they decide based on alternatives provided by the parties, which is the preferred choice.
Agreements tend to be more sustainable since there is room in mediation for a win-win solution.
The ultimate outcome would not include winners and losers. Both parties can walk away from the table feeling as though they have succeeded. Finally and most importantly for community disputes, feelings of resentment and bitterness are minimized. Community groups can only flourish with broad based community support, mediation which produces only winners will reduce tension and allow for a continued working relationship. Community disputes can be particularly viscous with both sides having years of pent up frustration, leading to suspicion and intolerance.