ABSTRACT

Dispute resolution seeks to find satisfactory solutions to conflicts, and researchers who evaluate dispute resolution procedures understandably want to consider whether disputants using these procedures are eventually satisfied with the resulting outcomes. A similar emphasis on satisfaction pervades the literature on techniques for resolving disputes and involving the public in regulatory policymaking. These techniques include the broad range of procedures and methods available to government for allowing input, feedback, and dialogue on regulatory policymaking, including comment solicitation, public hearings, workshops, dialogue groups, advisory committees, and negotiated rulemaking processes.