Mediation as an innovative dispute resolution tool based on the example of public organizations

Purpose: The objective of this article is to identify the context of developing mediation in public administration and also to demonstrate its role in problem-solving in that area. On those grounds, the authors attempted at answering the study question: Is the mediation tool widely used in the public administration area and does it facilitate dispute resolution? Design/methodology/approach: To look for evidence enabling to answer the study question, the case study method was used as it was appropriate for the analysis of qualitative phenomena (Grzegorczyk, 2015). Case study enables to formulate conclusions concerning the causes and results of the actual studied phenomenon course. The study undertaken by the Authors is an individual case study where the authors used various techniques and tools for data collection and analysis, i.e. participant observation, document analysis and Internet sources. Findings: Currently, a growing number of proceedings in administration bodies and administrative courts can be observed, but the role of mediation in their resolution is still negligible. An undoubted problem of the administrative mediation is the absence of trust of the public administration bodies, courts and the general public in this conflict resolution form. This is why it is necessary to introduce legislative amendments, educate in this area and promote it. Originality/value: The presented analysis is important as it indicates the role of administrative mediation and the importance of its popularization