The Resource Guide - Online Version

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) consists of a variety of approaches to early intervention and dispute resolution. Many of these approaches include the use of a neutral individual such as a mediator who can assist disputing parties in resolving their disagreements. ADR increases the parties' opportunities to resolve disputes prior to or during the use of formal administrative procedures and litigation (which can be very costly and time-consuming).

The Guide provides an overall picture of how the most common forms of ADR are being implemented in Federal agencies. It summarizes a number of current ADR programs (including alternative discipline programs), and it includes descriptions of shared neutrals programs where agencies have collaborated to reduce the costs of ADR. It provides a listing of training and resources available from Federal and non-Federal sources. It also provides selected ADR-related web sites. The information in the Guide will be helpful in exploring the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing alternative dispute resolution programs in your organization or enhancing the one you may have now.

Customer Survey

We would appreciate your feedback on this Guide and we have developed a short evaluation form for this purpose. The form can be completed online and is located in the appendix: How to Evaluate the Guide's Usefulness. This form is also available in PDF format (for those who wish to print the form and fax it to us) and you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.

• Complete Online Evaluation

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management by telephone at (202) 606-2930 or by email at cwrap@opm.gov.