This may point towards settling, to protect future relationships. Alternatively, it might mean that getting a ruling on the issue is important to your business. Bear in mind the cost to the company of the executive and employee time that the dispute will consume, and the extent to which it will distract key staff members from other issues, which may be of greater long-term importance. Seek advice on the options - Litigation should always be seen as just one of several ways of resolving disputes. Good faith discussions between the parties can often defuse disputes before attitudes harden and more formal resolution is required.
Mediation is one popular and effective alternative method.
Courts increasingly encourage parties to use mediation, or other informal dispute resolution techniques, before a dispute is tried. If urgent or confidential resolution of the dispute is required, arbitration may be more desirable than litigating in the courts. In selecting the best tactics to follow, consider the dynamics and value of your relationship. Litigation can be expensive and time consuming, and can ruin long term commercial relationships. It should not be taken lightly.