1. Unlike in court, witnesses may not be cross examined
2. DISADVANTAGES
2.1. Arbitration may prove to be costly if amount of money sought is nominal
2.1.1. Standards and practices for arbitration are unclear
3. ADVANTAGES
3.1. Arbitration is usually cost effective for an oranization
3.1.1. Arbitration can be handled quickly-it is easier to get an appointment for arbitration than it is to get a court date
3.2. Arbitration can be private which leaves little room for appeal by either party
4. ARBITRATION/LITIGATION
5. ARBITRATOR QUALIFICATIONS
5.1. Minimum education requirements(Bachelor's degree)
5.1.1. Training in Conflict Resolution or Alternative Dispute Resolution through continuing education courses
5.1.1.1. State licensing and certifications are available for practicing arbitrators, certifications are not required to become an arbitrator
5.1.2. In some cases, a law degree may be required to provide arbitration services.
5.1.2.1. In some states, hours need to be served as an aprentice to an arbitrator in order to become an independent arbitrator
6. ADVANTAGES
6.1. Mediation is not required--it is voluntary
6.1.1. convenient--intervention by neutral third party
6.1.1.1. information remains confidential
7. DISADVANTAGES
7.1. Does not always solve the issue, merely suggestive
7.1.1. Mediator's views may be contested if parties cannot reach an agreement
7.1.1.1. Mediator lacks authority to make actual decisions
8. MEDIATION
9. MEDIATOR QUALIFICATIONS
9.1. Bachelor's Degree--some companies require law background to mediate
9.1.1. Companies looking to hire mediators would request that the individual have some prior knowledge in the employing field, especially pertaining to policy and procedures, in addition to knowledge of law
9.1.1.1. Mediators should be licensed or certified with their local municipality in order to practice.
9.1.2. Continued education in the industry served is available to current mediators and encouraged
9.1.2.1. Mediator should be affiliated with any local or state mediator program