Dispute Resolution Options

The dispute resolution options to a conflict are numerous: from informal to formal, from expedient to time consuming, from cost effective to cost prohibitive. Below is a graphical continuum of options available and a brief description of each.

Negotiation Unassisted face to face discussion, where two or more parities meet with the intention of coming to an agreement.

Mediation An assisted face to face discussion, where a neutral third party facilitates the discussion with a goal of resolving the conflict between the two parties and where the outcome is left in the hands of the two parties.

Conciliation A neutral third party acts as a liaison with the conflicted parties to assist them in resolving their differences.

Administrative Decision An informal third party decision. “Someone, somewhere decides”

Arbitration A formal hearing whereby an impartial third party hears both sides of the conflict and makes a decision regarding the issues under dispute. Both sides have direct input.

Litigation A formal legal proceeding in a court, whereby a Judicial process determines and enforces the decision. Participants are able to provide some input into discussion. Legislation A political decision made by a legislative body with indirect input from the participants.