Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

What term describes a neutral third party who aids in resolving conflict?

1. Mediator

2. Arbitrator

3. Facilitator

4. Negotiator

The correct answer is: Mediator

The term that describes a neutral third party who aids in resolving conflict is a mediator. A mediator's role is to facilitate communication and negotiation between the conflicting parties, helping them to reach a voluntary and mutually acceptable resolution. This process is typically non-binding, meaning that any agreement made is not enforced by the mediator but rather is based on the consensus of the parties involved. Mediators work to create an environment where both sides can express their views and interests, encouraging collaboration rather than confrontation. This can lead to more amicable solutions and can preserve relationships between the parties, making it a valuable approach in conflict resolution scenarios. In contrast, other roles like an arbitrator make binding decisions, a facilitator generally helps guide discussions without taking sides, and a negotiator might represent one party in discussions with the other party. Each of these roles has distinct responsibilities, but the mediator specifically focuses on helping both sides find common ground without imposing a solution.