The role of a mediator is unlike the role of a Wikipedia arbitrator; mediators are facilitators of voluntary discussion, while arbitrators hear evidence and issue binding rulings, including the ability to issue sanctions against users
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia%3AMediation
The Role of the Mediator ... The primary role of the mediator is to mediate from a position of impartiality, having no vested interest in the outcome of a dispute between parties. The mediator as well as the parties can set the ground rules before the process begins.
www.mediate.uci.edu/role.shtml www.mediate.uci.edu/role.shtml
The role of the mediator is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in identifying issues, exploring alternatives, and facilitating voluntary agreements resolving the dispute. The ultimate decision making authority rests solely with the participants.
www.floridamediationcenter.com/role.htm www.floridamediationcenter.com/role.htm
Is the mediation process Participatory or is the mediator's role Content Free? ... The ethical issues raised in the hypotheticals above only give a mediator trouble if the mediator's role is not clearly defined before the mediation begins.
adrr.com/adr2/essayp.htm
Your mediator is ethically obligated to acknowledge any substantive bias on issues in discussion. The mediator's role is to ensure that parties reach agreements in a voluntarily and informed manner, and not as a result of coercion or intimidation.
www.mediate.com/articles/what.cfm www.mediate.com/articles/what.cfm
The ADA Mediation Guidelines name several factors to be considered: “The mediator should ascertain that a party understands the nature of the mediation process, who the parties are, the role of the mediator, the parties’ relationship to the mediator, and the issues at hand.” The Guidelines note that this...
www.mediate.com/articles/woodE1.cfm www.mediate.com/articles/woodE1.cfm
The mediator is not an arbitrator and will not make decisions for the couple. Rather, the mediator will help the couple develop an agenda for the mediation sessions, and assist them in working through the issues and reaching a settlement. A...
http://www.cadivorcelaw.com/altdispute.html
Jane facilitates direct and open discussion about the issues you face. She is neutral and will not take either party’s side. She encourages productive consideration of all relevant matters, both legal and practical, allowing you to create y...
http://www.familylawandmediation.com/FAQ.html
In cases where the leader is particularly vulnerable to accusations of bias, he or she might simply acknowledge the possibility of perceived conflict of interest and defer the mediator role to another leader in the organization.
www.vccaedu.org/inquiry/inquiry-fall98/i31jones.html
The primary role of the Mediator/Neutral is to: ... Answer to 1: C. The mediator does not make any decisions about the validity of a dispute, does not investigate issues, and does not serve as an advocate or representative for either party. The mediator’s role is neutral, and is there to guide the process,
www.cdc.gov/od/adr/training/q07all.htm