Final answer:
Mediation is the process in which a third party helps disputants voluntarily resolve their disagreement, distinct from arbitration, litigation, and negotiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process described, where a third party helps disputants voluntarily resolve their disagreement, is known as mediation. This is distinguished from arbitration, where a neutral third-party actually makes a binding decision; litigation, which involves the court system; and negotiation, where parties directly bargain with each other to reach a compromise. In a situation where an informal approach hasn't worked, and there is no internal mechanism available, mediation is often employed to facilitate a resolution. It is an accessible and impartial dispute resolution method where the mediator acts as a facilitator rather than a judge, helping parties to find a mutually acceptable solution without imposing their own judgment.