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Exploring the Impact of Power Dynamics on the Willingness to Participate in Workplace Mediation

Hagemann, Lara (2024) Exploring the Impact of Power Dynamics on the Willingness to Participate in Workplace Mediation.

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Abstract:This study investigated the relationship between perceived power position in a workplace conflict and the willingness to participate in mediation to resolve this conflict. It was hypothesized that individuals in a low-power position are less willing to engage in mediation than individuals in a high-power position. To test this effect participants were asked to imagine themselves in a given workplace scenario where they were in either a low-power or high-power position. Afterwards they were asked to fill out a questionnaire asking about their willingness to engage in a mediation, and potentially mediating variables like ‘perceived loss of control’. Contrary to the hypothesis, the results showed no direct effect of perceived power position on willingness to participate. Further analysis revealed an unexpected indirect effect of perceived loss of control, that significantly mediated the relationship between power position and mediation willingness. More specifically, individuals in higher perceived power positions indicated a greater perceived loss of control in the mediation process than participants in the lower power positions, which in turn predicted an unexpected, reduced willingness to participate in mediation. The study's results highlighted the importance of addressing perceived loss of control to encourage mediation participation, especially among those in higher power positions.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100362
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