What concept best explains why disputing labour and management representatives may both perceive an impartial mediator to be biased toward the other side?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Powerful preconceptions influence how individuals interpret the actions and decisions of an impartial mediator. Both sides may come into the negotiation with strong biases and expectations about the other party and the mediator, leading them to perceive any decision that does not fully align with their interests as evidence of bias towards the other side. This is because their pre-existing beliefs and expectations about the negotiation process and the other party's intentions can color their interpretation of the mediator's actions, making it difficult for them to see the mediator as truly neutral.

What Concept Best Explains Why Disputing Labour and Management Representatives