Final answer:
A characteristic of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is that it does not preclude litigation. It's an accessible form of conflict resolution, and while it may involve a third party if necessary, it is not exclusive to union environments or dependent on disciplinary actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is that it does not preclude litigation. ADR offers different ways to address and resolve disputes outside of the traditional court system. It is an accessible method, aiming to be impartial, where disputes can be resolved in various ways, such as arbitration or mediation. A key aspect of ADR is that it aims for a resolution that both parties can agree on, without necessarily requiring an external third party, although one may be involved if an informal approach has not worked.
When conflicts remain unresolved in a workplace, they may lead to stress and lost productivity. Having an in-house dispute resolution process is beneficial in larger workplaces or unionized environments, but ADR is not exclusive to these settings. Importantly, while ADR processes seek to resolve disputes, should they fail, the parties are still able to pursue formal litigation.
As part of the ADR process, it is expected that justice-oriented aspects come into play where decision makers are competent, ethical, and independent, reflecting the communities they serve. This reflects the principle that all involved parties should feel heard and supported.