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A Comparison of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems

For those disputants who have found that there is no pertinent binding or legal remedy to their problems or where direct negotiations have failed when a party wants to punish another, they may feel that they are at an impasse with no direction.  Some parties may even desire to send a message to the public, an industry or individual. Where a legal injunction is required to prevent an ongoing or future harm, they may want to seek something quicker than litigation, thereby decreasing pressure on the both parties.  They can have options.  They can choose the system that suits their needs; after all, it’s about the disputants, not the mediator.  The results rest in their hands.  The outcome is the one that they will have to live with.  It’s their call.  After all, they seek dispute resolution for results not an impasse.  Below, you have a choice to choose your desired outcome according to your standards you seek.

ADR SystemVoluntaryIntakeConfidentialityA process of  EmpowermentSelf-DeterminationImpartialityWitnesses allowed
MediationXXXXX        X      X
Co-MediationXXXXX        X      X
ArbitrationXXXXX        X      X
Peer MediationXXXXX        X      X
ConciliationXXXXX        X      X
NegotiationXXXXX        X      X
Med-ArbXXXXX        X      X
FacilitationXXXXX        X      X
OmbudsmanXXXXX        X      X
ADR SystemCaucusPositionInterestsNeedsParticipants decide the final outcomeThe Agreement is bindingOutcome decided by the neutralAbuse/criminal activity allowedAn ongoing relationship exists between the parties
Mediation      X      X        X      X
Co-Mediation      X      X        X      X
Arbitration      X      X      X      X
Peer Mediation      X      X        X      X
Conciliation      X      X        X      X        X
Negotiation      X      X        X        X
Med-Arb      X      Xyes and then no      X      X
Facilitation      X      X      X      X        X
Ombudsman      X      X      X      X
ADR SystemExpedient Resolution of the outcomePrivacy from Public/ media scrutinyAtimely resolution is a factorMultiple parties may be involvedA lawyer is essentialAssists in generating options/agreementsCosts
MediationXXXXXLow to high
Co-MediationXXXXXMedium to high
ArbitrationXXXXXXMedium to high
Peer MediationXXXXXLow
ConciliationXXXXXLow to high
NegotiationXXXXXXMedium to high
Med-ArbXXXXXXLow to high
FacilitationXXXXXMedium to high
OmbudsmanXXXXXXLow
author

Sharon Kendrick-Johnson

Sharon Kendrick-Johnson is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and County mediator located in Miami, Florida.  She is doctoral candidate in Mediation.  Her mediation skills have taken her to the heights of mediating community, church, and domestic conflicts.  She has also mediated insurance claims, divorce, and more.  Her strengths lie… MORE

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