ABSTRACT
Administrative dispute resolution refers to agency use of alternative or appropriate dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve conflicts that arise in public administration, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, negotiated rulemaking, and other processes. ADR supplements or replaces traditional processes for addressing conflict such as adjudication or litigation. Proponents of ADR argue, and some studies suggest, that it saves time and money, results in improved relationships between parties to a dispute, enhances public voice in policy, and can yield better outcomes. This entry discusses legal authority for use of ADR in public administration, examples of programs and their implementation, and evaluation of ADR in public administration.
