ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) IN NIGERIA WORK ORGANIZATIONS: A SITUATION ANALYSIS
1Okafor, l. C., 2Ele, Augustine Augustine, 1Mbam John Nwuguru & 1Orji Awa Prince
1Department of Business Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki,
2Department of Business Management,University of Calabar, Calabar
Email: elenoble2000@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper centered on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Nigeria work organizations- a situation analysis. The study employed a theoretical –based approach and a conceptual review of related literatures. Three objectives were formulated to guide this study. The study revealed that ADR has a significant influence on organizational and employees’ performance in the Nigeria work organizations. The study also revealed that the different methods of ADR such as arbitration, mediation, negotiation, collaboration, compromise, good governance, communication, facilitation, expert determination, mini-trial, etc. if adopted appropriately would have a significant effects on operational efficiency and effectiveness of work organizations in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management and managers should employ the ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation, collaboration, compromise and good governance in settling disputes as well as conflicts among parties in the Nigeria work organizations in order to reduce cost, save time and being fast in reaching a consensus agreement or compromise. It was also recommended that the various mechanisms of ADR should be adopted in resolving disputes between management and workers of the work organizations depending on the situation or circumstances, since there is no one best method in solving organizational conflicts and problems.Key words: Alternative dispute resolution, work organizations, disputes, conflict, Nigeria
