Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What is the goal of the mediation process?

1. A mutual agreement

2. One side has to clearly win

3. The project in question could be deferred

4. A new alternative may be the solution

The correct answer is: A mutual agreement

The goal of the mediation process is to achieve a mutual agreement between the parties involved in a dispute. Mediation is a collaborative process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation between the disputing parties. The focus is on understanding each side's needs, interests, and concerns, which ultimately allows the parties to explore potential solutions together that satisfy both sides. In successful mediation, the aim is to reach an agreement that both parties can accept and feel good about, fostering cooperation and maintaining relationships. This focus on collaboration distinguishes mediation from adversarial approaches, where one side's win often comes at the expense of the other. The objective is not to declare a winner or loser but to find a resolution that mitigates conflict and leads to a satisfactory outcome for all involved. The options reflecting a win-lose situation or deferring decisions do not align with the collaborative essence of mediation, nor does suggesting an alternative without resolution address the core goal of reaching an agreement. Thus, emphasizing a mutual agreement captures the essence of mediation very effectively.