Mediation is more effective when it emphasizes needs rather than values or interests. Mediators must be neutral and impartial, yet still compassionate. Mediators must recognize the parties needs, their positions, and understand the larger context. Mediators must be credible to the contending parties. Effective mediation requires more than just goodwill, it requires expertise in the field of conflict management.
Mediators help the parties analyze the issues.
They may also offer solutions to the dispute, and apply pressure on the parties to work toward settlement. Legitimacy Laws and rules should accurately reflect social reality. Living laws that reflect social reality will have legitimacy, while laws that are simply imposed by the State will not. States should recognize the ability of autonomous organizations to produce their own rules by collective agreement. States should provide legal frameworks within which groups can negotiate their own substantive rules and settlements.