Introduction
The systems theory explains the complex nature of society, nature, and science. It provides a framework on which individuals van investigate aspects that work together to produce a certain degree of the outcome. The systems theory can be used to describe an individual, organization, community, and society at large. The theory can be traced back to the 1950s. The primary goal of its formulation stemmed from the need to explain the dynamic relationships and the increased level of interdependence between components existing in a system. Mediation, on the other hand, remains one of the most utilized ways in conflict resolution. It involves a third party engages disputants in a bid to attain an involuntary and negotiation resolution. The mediator primarily uses the power of communication between the warring parties as the primary tool in reaching a settlement. However, they do not have the power to impose any decision on the disputants whatsoever (Andrade, Plowman, & Duchon, 2008). The systems theory, just like the mediation process rely on the interconnectedness that exhibits in various aspects of life. System theory and mediation process are both strategies that explore the workability of systems. However, whereas one is a framework for operation, the other one is an actual process.
Similarities
In one way or the other, both the systems theory and the mediation process are responsive to the conflicts that exist within the society. As earlier noted, systems theory does not look at people as distinct beings. Rather, it focuses on the various components and how they operate within the organizational matrix (Größler, Thun, & Milling, 2008). For instance, an individual should be viewed from the wider context of their society by relating them to their community, religious affiliation, and educational institutions, among others. Problems such as unemployment are also viewed from broader societal forces such as increased population and inadequate resources. In conflict resolution, systems theory goes beyond the assessment of individual goals and behaviors. Instead, it uncovers the patterns and interactions that an individual establishes as part of a larger organization. Similarly, mediation is also a form of conflict resolution method that requires a mediator to go beyond the individual goals of the disputants. In a bid to attain a settlement, mediation looks at the overall aspects that are beneficial to either party. Just like the systems theory, these aspects are drawn from the larger societal concepts including values, principles, and beliefs that enhance peace and well-being among individuals.
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Both systems theory and mediation process take advantage of the various segments of life that exist within the context of a larger group or organization. In a system, the components that make up the organization have different wills and intended purposes. The general systems theory focuses on three fundamental aspects that include the social organization of a system, environment, and the human participants within the said organization (Größler, Thun, & Milling, 2008). The former describes the mediation process, which takes advantage of the human participants within the organization. During a mediation process, three entities exist. The two are the warring sides, with each one of them holding a divergent view. The third party is the mediator. The role of the mediator is to bring conflicting sides together by prescribing solutions based on the ideas of the individuals (Andrade, Plowman, & Duchon, 2008). The multi-level handling of conflict is in sync with the provision of the systems theory. Each of the parties in the conflict resolution process can be viewed to represent a different level of reasoning. The ultimate goal of the mediation process is to come up with a solution that places each of the conflicting sides and their mediator at the same level.
Differences
Systems theory and the mediation process are inherently different. On the one hand, systems theory is a broad theoretical framework or foundation that looks at how society functions and how a person can be associated with broader organizational components in a bid to understand their behavior. As a concept and a theory, it can be applied beyond the realms of conflict resolution. Systems theory has been used to understand human behavior and societal problems such as violence and unemployment. On the contrary, the mediation process is not a concept rather than an activity. It is only limited to conflict resolution and finding consensus. It cannot be used to explain or understand any other social phenomenon that occurs within the context of society (Digital Resource: Herrman, 2006). Whereas the mediation process can rely on the systems theory for proper functionality, the opposite cannot happen. A system theorist regards mediation as one of the many activities or actions that heavily rely on the systems theory for operational success. Another difference can be drawn from the levels at which each of the concepts operates.
The three levels of social operation include the micro-level, macro-level, and meso-level. The micro-level refers to the smallest unit of operation. It includes aspects such as the person, citizen, marriage, families, household, and communities, among others. At the meso-level, the operation is at the population-size level and involves aspects such as the community and organization. The mediation process looks at issues at the micro and the meso levels. It involves solving problems involving parties from different entities such as family, tribe, and clan, which exist primarily at the two levels (Digital Resource: Herrman, 2006). The third level of operation is known as the macro-level which looks at serious issues such as the economy and globalization. It deals with entities such as the nation, society, civilization, and international relations among others. Systems theory looks at the interactions from all the levels including the micro, macro, and meso levels (Hirsch, Levine, & Miller, 2007).
Analogy
John has recently engaged in a fistfight with his wife. The wife considers pressing charges against John. On the other hand, John wants to file for a divorce. Their church counselor has already received the information and has summoned them to a meeting. As a mediator, the counselor has asked them to refrain from taking extreme positions. He has called upon them to understand their religious teachings about the sanctity of marriage. The counselor has also urged the two to shun their differences for the well-being of their children who are in 6 th grade and 7 th grade, respectively. The counselor has asked them to recall their vows at the altar and also reconsider their reputation as strong Christians.
As earlier indicated, systems theory goes beyond the assessment of individual goals and behaviors. The similarity between systems theory and mediation process stems from the counselor’s ability to draw in aspects such as spirituality, children, and society in the mediation process. It shows that both the systems theory and the mediation process do not look at an individual as an entity but rather an element of a larger organization. In depicting the difference between the two concepts, the counselor utilizes the systems theory as a framework in the actual process of mediation. Whereas the systems theory acts as a framework, the mediation involves the actual happenings.
Conclusion
The systems theory, just like the mediation process rely on the interconnectedness that exhibits in various aspects of life. System theory and mediation process are both strategies that explore the workability of systems. However, whereas one is a framework for operation, the other one is an actual process. The mediation process mainly applies at the micro and macro levels. On the other hand, the systems theory applies at all levels. In spite of their differences, a successful mediation process must employ the systems theory as the framework.
References
Andrade, L., Plowman, D., & Duchon, D. (2008). Getting past conflict resolution: A complexity view of the conflict. Emergence: Complexity and Organization, 10(1), 23-38.
Digital Resource: Herrman, M. S. (Ed.). (2006). The Blackwell handbook of mediation: Bridging theory, research, and practice. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Größler, A., Thun, J., & Milling, P. (2008). System dynamics as a structural theory in operations management. Production and Operations Management, 17(3), 373-384. (ProQuest Document ID: 1517980031).
Hirsch, G. B., Levine, R., & Miller, R. L. (2007). Using system dynamics modeling to understand the impact of social change initiatives. American Journal of Community Psychology, 39(3-4), 239-53.
