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There is some level of overlap between these terms and hence there could be some confiusion regarding what they mean exactly . What is common among all these terms is that they deal with a situation where two (or more) parties (entities, individuals, ... ) have some form of diagreement (non-concurrence, issue, dispute, crisis, conflict) that needs a third party (modetator, mediator, negotiator, conflict resolver) to step in and intervene to fix this situation.
The differemce between these terms is related to the level of involvement in actual fixing of the situation, and the amount/level of authority associated with eah one of them.
Let me explain my views
1- Modetator .. tries to narrow down the differences and close the gaps as much as possible to drive the different parties to realize that there differences are minor and trivial
2- Negotiator ... does what the moderator does above but has also the required authority to negotiate a a mutually acceptable solution between different parties.
3- Mediator ... as the above but with higher level of authority to actually draft the desired solution in detail leading to resolving the conflict between different parties
4- Conflict Resolver ... has the ultimate authority to resolve the conflict and oblige all parties to accept the resolution !!
A moderator is in charge of "moderating" participatory behavior in an organized collection of people, whether an online or offline forum, gathering or meeting. A moderator follows specific rules of engagement and moderation and his engagement is reactive to what happens during such a meeting/gathering.
A mediator, mediates between two or more parties to achieve a common-ground or a mid-way for all parties, in solving a certain conflict or a problem following their wishes and desires. His non-biased involvement is invited by all parties and is he has no relationship to the conflict or problem at stake.
A negotiator enters into a negotiation process with one or more other parties to achieve pre-defined objectives and realise certain interest of his own or ones that he is representing on behalf of others. A negotiator aims to reap the most gain possible from a negotiation and incur the least loss/harm possible. A negotiator (mostly) is very involved in the issue/problem at stake, being either one of the conflicting parties or one that is directly or indirectly affected by it or entrusted with finding a solution for it.
A conflict-resolver can be a moderator, a mediator or negotiator with a clear-cut pre-defined objective of solving a conflict or it can be a UN-diplomat! The big difference with others, indeed as Mr. Thiab said, is that the conflict resolver is endowed with certain authority to actually enforce conflict resolution or draw a road-map for involved parties to follow through with its directions.
Moderator : An owner .
Mediator: A person who works between two parties to resolve their issues.
Example : Advocate is a mediator between court & applicant .
Negotiator : Someone who negotiates in pre fixed affairs .
Example : In property dealing both seller & buyer performs their role as a negotiator .
Conflict Resolver : The one who responsible to short out those cases ,which occur due to misunderstanding or miscommunication .
Example: Parents - Are the best conflict resolver ever for their children .
