Final answer:
The Open-door policy approach is an ADR method where employees bring complaints directly to their supervisors. It's designed to enable immediate and less formal dispute resolution, but when informal approaches fail, third-party mediation might be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The alternative dispute resolution (ADR) approach where workers with complaints are invited to raise them with their immediate supervisor is known as the Open-door policy approach. This approach encourages open communication and gives employees a direct line to management where they can voice their concerns in a less formal setting. The effectiveness of the open-door policy lies in its offering of an accessible platform for dispute resolution, encouraging impartiality and ethical handling of complaints.
When employees feel that an informal approach hasn't worked, and where no internal mechanism is effective, the situation might escalate requiring the involvement of a neutral third-party for mediation or resolution. Conflict resolution strategies involve staying calm, listening actively, asking open-ended questions, and focusing on problem-solving rather than assigning blame. If conflicts remain unresolved, they can negatively affect morale and productivity, emphasizing the need for effective, timely, and competent resolution processes.
Larger workplaces and especially unionized environments may have in-house dispute resolution systems which can be beneficial in ensuring that all parties involved feel heard and supported, thereby preventing the escalation of conflict.