This can be effective, especially where the parties can no longer effectively communicate because of high emotion. Negotiating parties communicate directly with each other, in many cases leading to a breakdown in communication, especially when the negotiations become emotionally charged. The mediator attempts to focus attention upon needs and interests of each party. Many times the focus is upon rights and positions of each party. Mediated agreements endure over time because they are the direct result of the participants controlling the process thereby creating an outcome suited to their respective needs and interests.
Mediation usually paves the way for future negotiations.
When negotiation is complete, one party or the other may still feel that the final deal was not completely fair, or that the solution may have been impractical. This can lead to further problems during future negotiation. Mediation usually leads to a quicker solution. Depending on the situation, negotiation can be a very long and drawn out process. Mediation is informal, timely, confidential and less costly than litigation.