PvXwiki:Mediation and Arbitration

Conflicts between users are neither uncommon nor unusual. Many times, these debates are settled without the need for mediation of any kind much less actual intervention on the part of the Administrative staff. However, in some cases, an unusually high rate of escalation or a lack of resolution may call for mediation on the part of an Administrator.

While some of the information contained in this policy is generally considered common sense, this policy was created to provide a reference point as to the proper course of action.

Requesting Review
If it becomes clear that a conflict is unlikely to be resolved without the intervention of an Administrator, a user may request that the conflict be reviewed by utilizing the AN.

In such cases, a neutral Administrator (the Administrator may not be party to the conflict), will review the conflict and should attempt to provide mediation, or, if necessary to actually arbitrate the conflict.

Arbitration and Mediation
Ideally, the Administrator reviewing a conflict should not have to become directly involved in the discussion, but, should rather attempt to resolve the conflict through simple negotiation. The main focus of mediation should be to pacify all involved parties and the role of the Administrator should be primarily to ensure an open, calm forum in which the conflict can be resolved.

Occasionally, conflicts cannot be resolved through simple mediation. As per PvXwiki:Administrators, an Administrator does have the right to simply render judgment, to ban involved parties, or to make any other prudent action.

Realistically, it is necessary to acknowledge that even an uninvolved Administrator will be unable to be completely neutral when reviewing a conflict. In other instances, a number of different Administrators may disagree on the correct course of action. Generally, it is considered the prerogative of the first Administrator "on the scene" to mediate a conflict. As such, it is of the utmost importance for the reviewing Administrator to remain as impartial as possible. However, in some cases, a conflict will have escalated to the point that it requires some level of collaboration between multiple Administrators to "sort it out" and reach a consensus as far as a course of action.

Finally, it should be noted that this policy may apply to any conflict. Conflicts between Administrators (or in which an Administrator is a party to the conflict) should be dealt with in the same manner as any other.

Another Perspective
Although not an officially adopted policy, Wikipedia's policy entitled Resolving disputes nevertheless offers valuable advice into the steps that can be taken to avoid or resolve a dispute. Again, this should not be treated as policy, merely as a useful guide. The link can be found here.