Types of conflict resolution

Here is a look at the different types of conflict resolution that are available for you to use in the workplace.

Number one: Negotiation
Negotiation is the process of discussion among the parties that are in the middle of the conflict. How the negotiation process works is that all of the parties that are involved in the conflict gather to discuss what is going on. Before the discussion starts, ground rules will need to be laid out so that other conflicts do not arise from the discussion. For example, nobody can interrupt when another person is talking. The goal of the discussion is to reach an agreement to settle the conflict.

Number two: Mediation
Mediation is a process that involves a neutral third party to help people discuss the issues that are going on; they also help the people reach an agreement based on the issues at hand. The neutral third party person can be anybody who is trained in conflict resolution, including management in the workplace. How meditation works is the neutral third-party gathers information, outlines the problem or problems at hand, helps the parties develop their options and negotiate an agreement. An important thing to note with mediation is that the third party does not have any power in making decisions, so the parties involved in mediation are the ones to determine the solutions.

Number three: Arbitration
Arbitration is different from mediation because the neutral third party has power over the final outcome of the conflict. How arbitration works is that the parties sit down and talk to a neutral third party about the issues at hand. After listening to both sides of the story and gathering information, the neutral third party makes a decision that will settle the conflict. The parties involved in arbitration do not have any say on what the outcome will be. Arbitration is most commonly used in labor/management disputes.

Number four: Mediation-Arbitration
This method of conflict resolution is a combination of mediation and arbitration. How this type of conflict resolution works is that before the conflict resolution session starts the parties that are involved agree to try mediation first, which means they try to solve the problem and come to an agreement without needing third party to come to the final decision. If the parties involved cannot do it on their own than the neutral third party makes the final decision.

Number five: Early Neutral Evaluation
This type of conflict resolution is used in cases where there is the threat of going to trial. How this type of conflict resolution works is that a court-appointed attorney reviews the merits of the case before it goes to trial. The court-appointed attorney then encourages the parties involved to resolve the problem before it goes any further. If no resolution can be reached, he advises both parties involved about what the next step would be to litigate the case, plus what they think the outcome would be based on the merits of the case.

Number six: Community Conferencing
This type of conflict resolution is best used in a community type of setting, where more than two parties are involved, the whole community was affected by the conflict. How this type of conflict resolution works is hat a main facilitator is in charge of the meeting and they invite people to come forward to talk about how the dispute affected them, plus what they would like to see happen to help settle the dispute.

Number seven: Negotiated Rulemaking
While this type of conflict resolution is mostly seen in government agencies, it can also be used by business. How this process works is that the board of directors or government agencies asks for people's input on the dispute, plus how they might expect to handle it. Once they listen the issue a new rule that effectively handles the conflict.