Organizational politics – the struggle for influence, success, resources, security and respect – flourish everywhere. The reality of workplace disputes is that neither party really wants to go to litigation or appear before a tribunal. However, they do want to have a chance to tell their story and to be helped out of the current situation, which is intolerable and unsustainable.

“In some cases early use of an internal or external mediator may be a helpful alternative to the use of procedures, particularly when dealing with grievances. Mediation involves using a neutral third party to help two or more people talk through and resolve a difference or dispute. It is an entirely voluntary process, but where the parties agree to take part it can often lead to acceptable solutions. Just as the mediator cannot compel anyone to take part neither do they have the power to impose solutions and will not make recommendations unless that is the wish of the parties involved” (Parag 5 of the UK ACAS Guide to the Code of Practice on discipline and grievance).