WAR


Pros:   None

Cons:  Violence, low creativity to solving problems, parties lose control of process, trust level is nonexistent, cost is incredibly high.

LITIGATION

Pros:  Dream of winning

Cons:  Creativity to solving problems is narrowly bound by law and court rules, parties have little control over process, trust level is nonexistent, cost is high and frequently exceeds the value of the dispute.

ARBITRATION

Pros:  Potential for fair outcome

Cons:  Creativity to solving problems is low, parties control over process is delegated to third party, third party controls the outcome, trust level is low or nonexistent, cost is low, but there are costs involved with third party.

MEDIATION

Pros:  Creativity to solving problems is high, mediator directs the process, parties have complete control over process and outcome, trust level low but often improves as process proceeds, cost is low (cost of mediator fees), outcome is broad and unlimited.

Cons:  Time and money may be lost if no resolution is reached, risk inability of parties to concur, bad faith, win/lose thinking.

NEGOTIATION

Pros:  Creativity to solving problems is high (but may be limited by tradition or structure), parties have complete control over process, trust level can be very low to very high depending upon parties involved, cost is low or nil, outcome is broad and unlimited.

Cons:  Risk inability of parties to concur, bad faith, win/lose thinking.

DISCUSSION

Pros:  Creativity to solving problems is unlimited and generates or repairs relationships, parties have complete control over process, trust level can be high depending upon involved parties, cost is low or nil, outcome is broad and unlimited.

Cons:  Risk depends upon the ability of parties to discuss issues.