Foreword

• Author: Christopher W. Moore
• Profession: Managing Partner, CDR Associates and author of The Mediation Process
• Pages: 15-16

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FOREWORD

Over the past two decades, the field of alternative dispute resolution, or

ADR, has grown tremendously in North America and around the world.

Growth has occurred in terms of the diversity of innovative procedures

developed to manage and resolve conflicts, the size and scope of issues

addressed, and the number of practitioners engaged in this new profession.

ADR has its roots in efforts to find more effective means to resolve

conflicts than traditional litigation, and in democratic social change

movements. It encompasses collaborative approaches to reach agree-

ments such as unassisted negotiations, and assisted problem solving

such as mediation. It also includes voluntary third-party decision-mak-

ing procedures such as arbitration. In addition ADR incorporates a wide

range of other cooperative procedures to enhance the quality of infor-

mation exchanged between contending parties, increase cooperation,

promote efficient settlements, develop mutual gains outcomes, lower

costs, and improve the quality and acceptability of outcomes. Some

forms of ADR may also positively affect or transform the long-term rela-

tionships of contending parties.

ADR procedures have been utilized to address and resolve a wide

range of issues, both legal and non-legal. Although potential applica-

tions seem unlimited, some areas where ADR has been most successful-

ly applied include labour management and employment conflicts,

family fights, criminal acts, business affairs, public disputes, environ-

mental controversies, and intercultural differences.

For a number of years there has been a need for a comprehensive text

on ADR beyond a compendium of writings on the topic or descriptions

of specific procedures. This book is by far the best work written to date.

Alternative Dispute Resolution is extremely comprehensive. Professor

Pirie presents an excellent overview of the principles and approaches

involved in the field, a balanced assessment of the strengths and weak-

nesses of ADR, and analyzes the major issues and debates surrounding

its use. The text addresses a number of broad philosophical issues related

to disputing and resolution such as definitions and sources of conflicts,