April 9: Ethics

Honeyman, C. Bias and Mediator's Ethics

This chapter deals with the issue of the biased mediator. Honeyman argues that it is impossible for a mediator to be neutral and that it may not even be a desirable goal. He argues that every mediator has some form of bias, whether it is issue-related or structural. He discusses the need for mediators to disclose information about their bias. He says that it can be harmful for a mediator to portray himself or herself as neutral, especially in international conflict. Honeyman also addresses the argument that parties will reject mediation as a viable method if the mediators are known to be biased. He responds that parties must know all about the qualities of different interveners and different intervention styles and that being open will simply allow people to make the best choice.
I think Honeyman makes a good argument. I think it would be hard for anyone to object to the idea that mediators are biased, especially in terms of structure. It did seem like the argument was more conceptual than practical. Although I understand the author's point, I had trouble understanding how to apply it to an intervention situation. Was he arguing that mediation as a field should make the idea of bias known? Was he arguing that mediators should let parties know of bias before they start the process? It seems like it would be hard to do either in a practical way, though I think Honeyman has a good point in that it would be helpful for parties to be aware of bias.