Advantages & disadvantages of formal & informal dispute resolution procedures
by
UofL Ombuds Office
—
last modified
Oct 27, 2008 04:39 PM
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 |
