Here's how to make them work.
Negotiation is usually the first level at which dispute resolution is attempted.
The parties to the dispute retain the greatest control and incur the least expense. Moving from negotiation to mediation to arbitration or litigation results in a reduction of control along with an increase in costs at each step. Resolution by negotiation retains the highest level of control because it is the parties themselves who determine the terms of the agreement. They decide how the matter will be resolved, not some third party. This is the most common and most cost-effective method of dispute resolution.