See the way Manage the Negotiation Process Mediation is a structured discussion.
Structure is a very important factor in the effectiveness of a particular mediation.
Structure is required because parties in conflict can tend to fight, argue, attack, insult, inflame and otherwise behave in ways that may damage the potential that exists in every conflict for a productive resolution. Mediation structure addresses the who, where, what, when and how of the process. Apart from the skill and experience he or she may have, the mediator is able to do all this by virtue of being neutral and impartial . These are fundamental and defining features of mediation.