What are negotiation, mediation, and arbitration commonly referred to as?

Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are commonly referred to as alternative dispute resolution methods because they offer parties involved in a dispute alternative pathways to resolve their issues outside of the traditional court system. These methods emphasize resolving conflicts in a more collaborative and less adversarial manner, aiming for solutions that are mutually acceptable to all parties involved.

Negotiation involves direct discussions between the parties to reach a consensus. Mediation introduces a neutral third party to facilitate the dialogue and help identify solutions while arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision based on the evidence presented. Collectively, these methods share the common goal of resolving disputes in a manner that is typically faster, less formal, and potentially less costly than litigation.

Understanding these methods as alternative dispute resolution is critical, as it highlights the flexibility and efficiency they can bring to conflict resolution compared to traditional legal proceedings.