Disputes over the interpretation or application of rules may be resolved through consensual or adjudicative means, and in some cases through coercion or force. It is usual within the field of conflict resolution to classify dispute processing options into categories such as negotiation, mediation, facilitation, ombuds processes, arbitration, adjudication, and and direction action. The following rather formalistic classifications of dispute processing methods hide the fact that the boundaries between these processes are blurred. Negotiation Negotiation is a process in which two or more participants attempt to reach a joint decision on matters of common concern in situations where they are in actual or potential disagreement or conflict. See bibliography on negotiation.
Mediators use a variety of processes.
Some styles of mediation, typically labour mediation, utilize recommendations or suggestions to the parties. The mediation models taught widely in North America for the purposes of community, family, or commercial mediation tend to foster the avoidance of mediator recommendations or suggestions in order to preserve mediator neutrality and to encourage party control of outcomes. Some mediation processes may look something like adjudicative processes such as non-binding arbitration. See bibliography on mediation. Facilitation Facilitation is a process by which a third party helps to coordinate the activities of a group, acts as a process facilitator during meetings, or helps a group prevent or manage tension and move productively toward decisions.