Conflict resolution, or alternative dispute resolution, provides individuals involved in a dispute with more than one way to resolve the situation. Most methods of conflict resolution help individuals come to an agreement outside the traditional court system and without resorting to violent means. Conflict resolution is most effective when it emphasizes open communication and creative problem-solving, according to the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Mediation
When people in conflict can't engage in a discussion that pushes them toward resolving a situation, they may invite an impartial observer to mediate the negotiations. Mediators rely on their empathy and neutrality to guide negotiators toward more productive discussion. Mediators offer an unbiased perspective that can help parties identify facts that will help them move forward in the negotiating process. Although mediators may recommend a course of action, they cannot force parties to comply, according to the Conflict Resolution Information Source at the University of Colorado.
Arbitration
Arbitration offers disputing parties the opportunity to refer their situation to an outside authority for a ruling. This process allows individuals to resolve conflicts outside of court, saving them time and money. Before the arbitration process can begin, the parties embroiled in conflict must find a suitable arbitrator who can make an informed decision. In some situations, arbitrators simply offer a recommended course of action. More often, however, both parties agree to comply to the arbitrator's decision. In the latter case, the courts will uphold and enforce the decision, according to the Conflict Resolution Information Source at the University of Colorado.
Early Neutral Evaluation
Before a dispute goes to trial, courts will often appoint an attorney to evaluate the case and suggest means by which the involved parties can resolve the conflict. This process, called "early neutral evaluation," attempts to solve disputes in a more timely fashion, and without a full court trial. When this method doesn't result in a resolution, the evaluating attorney advises the involved parties on how they should move forward with the law suit and offers her opinion of how the impending trial will play out, according to the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Community Conferencing
When a conflict affects an entire community, community conferencing can serve as a productive method of alternative conflict resolution. The process often takes the form a discussion led by a facilitator. During the discussion, facilitators encourage community members affected by the conflict to share their accounts and their ideas concerning a possible resolution. Community conferencing provides individuals with an opportunity to take control of a less-than-ideal situation and work with the community as a whole to pursue lasting positive solutions. It also prevents violent actions and brings communities closer, according to the Community Conferencing Center website.
References
- Conflict Resolution Information Source at the University of Colorado: Mediation
- Conflict Resolution Information Source at the University of Colorado: Arbitration
- Association for Conflict Resolution: Frequently Asked Questions About Conflict Resolution
- Community Conferencing Center: Operating Principles
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