Exploring negotiation and mediation options before arbitration or litigation: Which alternative dispute resolution is best for settling workplace conflicts

Abstract

The alternative dispute resolution techniques of negotiation, mediation and arbitration are now being recommended more often for settling common workplace disagreements between parties instead of always depending on court litigation. This article provides an overview of these common dispute resolution techniques of negotiation and mediation so more employees and managers can see their advantages and disadvantages for application in their departments and organizations. Additionally, the article covers hybrid dispute resolution and online dispute resolution options for parties that work in distant locations nationally or internationally. Suggestions and recommendations are provided for facilitating negotiations, mediating disputes between parties through mediators or ombudspersons, and selecting from various relevant forms of hybrid or online options.