ABSTRACT
In theory, legitimate business operators can use the law to settle disputes with their business partners or customers. However, the legal channel involves cumbersome procedures which are often time consuming and may prove ineffective in the end. Even if resorting to the law may pay off in some cases, operators generally prefer to use their own means to settle their business disputes. This is particularly the case in some sensitive industries, such as entertainment and financial services, whose image is essential to their business. Triads, with a reputation for violence, may be brought in by legitimate operators to resolve business disputes effectively and with minimum fuss.
