Dispute Resolution Procedures: Formal vs. Informal

Dispute Resolution Procedures: Formal vs. Informal

**Advantages**
*Formal*	*Informal*
Due process rights outlined for disputants	Process stays in disputants' control
Timetables outlined	Confidentiality easier to maintain
"Guilty" or "Not Guilty" Outcome IS possible (if desired by either/both)	May work because of motivation to avoid formal procedures
"Paper Trail" proves what occurred	Less cumbersome
"Repeat offenders" tracked	Can result in better communication between the parties
	Does not require "proof" to others

**Disadvantages**
*Formal*	*Informal*
Process is out of disputants' control	No discipline option available (disadvantage for some complainants)
Time-consuming	No paper trail
Potentially embarrassing (less confidential)	Due process not guaranteed
Requires a written statement	No timetables
Does not work well when evidence is lacking	"Repeat offenders" cannot be tracked