Co-creating Positive Working Environments: a meta mediation perspective

Abstract

This article is a practitioner reflection on taking a meta mediation perspective on working with two organizations in co-creating a positive and constructive working environment. This perspective is grounded in the theoretical framework of strategic conflict management systems. The approach taken is to consider a specific process for engaging with organizations by looking at the two case study organizations – one small and growing, the other medium-sized and resource-constrained. The reflection first considers the antecedents for both organizations in engaging in this way. It then sets out the process for whole organization engagement through dialogue. The outcomes for each organization are then shared. The conclusion reached is that both organizations benefited from the engagement in terms of improvements in work environment, working relationships, conflict competence and organizational performance. Some of the ethical considerations for mediators working with organizations in this way are reflected on including neutrality and impartiality, confidentiality and self-determination.