This study investigates the role of individual personality traits and AI mediator design features in influencing dispute resolution effectiveness, with a focus on the mediating role of the mediator's function and the moderating effect of dispute type. Drawing from the Big Five personality framework and human–AI interaction literature, a structural equation model (SEM) was employed using a sample of 300 respondents engaged in simulated dispute resolution scenarios. The analysis revealed that both personality traits (e.g., openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability) and AI mediator design elements (usability, transparency, perceived fairness, and adaptability) significantly influence dispute resolution outcomes. Importantly, the mediator’s role—defined through neutrality, facilitation, and communication style—was found to mediate these effects. Furthermore, multi-group analysis showed that the strength of this mediation pathway varies depending on the type of dispute, with the strongest effects observed in family and workplace conflicts. Model fit indices (CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.041) confirmed a good fit. The results underscore the necessity of designing context-aware, user-centric AI systems and integrating psychological profiles for optimized dispute resolution processes. The study contributes to the growing discourse on AI in legal and organizational contexts and provides a framework for the development of adaptive, ethical, and effective AI mediation tools.
Bharadwaj et al. (Sun,) studied this question.