Institutional Mediation Capacity and Mediation Semantics as Structural Drivers of Value Creation in Educational Contexts: A Comparative Analysis of Romania and Germany

Conflict in educational institutions is common, making mediation a systemic necessity rather than an individual preference. This study examines how mediation semantics, cross-cultural communication, and institutional structures interact to shape value creation in schools in Romania and Germany. Using a mixed-methods comparative design, the study integrates perspectives from international relations, conflict studies, mediation, and cross-cultural communication. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews show that conflict can generate long-term value when supported by strong institutional mediation capacity, adaptive mediation semantics, and culturally responsive communication. Institutional mediation capacity is the strongest predictor of value creation (Romania β = .467; Germany β = .435), followed by mediation semantics (Romania β = .395; Germany β = .395). Cross-cultural communication correlates moderately but loses significance when structural and semantic factors are controlled. Interviews (Romania n = 10; Germany n = 9) illustrate the communicative mechanisms and institutional constraints through which these variables foster constructive outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of culturally responsive mediation, strengthened intercultural competencies, and institutional support to promote sustainable value creation in diverse educational settings.