What is conciliation in ADR?

Asked by: Anjali Stark  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (8 votes)

Conciliation is defined under the Uniform Rules of Dispute Resolution (Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:18) as a process in which a neutral assists parties in settling a case by clarifying the issues and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each side of the case.

What is the conciliation process in ADR?

Conciliation is an ADR process where an independent third party, the conciliator, helps people in a dispute to identify the disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives and try to reach an agreement.

What is conciliation in simple terms?

the action or process of ending a disagreement, often by discussion between the groups or people involved: All attempts at conciliation failed and the dispute continued. He prefers compromise and conciliation to confrontation. See. conciliate.

What is the difference between arbitration and conciliation?

Main Difference – Arbitration involves a neutral third party rendering a legally binding decision after considering the arguments of both parties, while conciliation revolves around a mediator facilitating communication and negotiation to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

What is the difference between negotiation and conciliation in ADR?

For instance, in negotiation there is no third party who intervenes to help the parties reach an agreement , unlike in mediation and conciliation, where the purpose of the third party is to promote an amicable agreement between the parties.

How is Conciliation different from Mediation?

29 related questions found

What comes first conciliation or arbitration?

Regardless of whether the old or the new system is applied the process always begins with conciliation. This is a peace-making process whereby a CCMA or bargaining council (BC) mediator tries to assist the employer and employee to reach an out-of-court agreement.

What are the different types of ADR conciliation?

Types of ADR Techniques
  • Mediation is presently the most popular form of ADR in use by agencies in employment-related disputes. ...
  • Ombuds. ...
  • Peer Review. ...
  • Fact Finding. ...
  • Early Neutral Evaluation. ...
  • Settlement Conference. ...
  • Facilitation.

Is conciliation better than arbitration?

What are the benefits of attending the conciliation hearing? It is far more beneficial for parties to resolve disputes at the lowest level of resolution. By attending the hearing, both parties are able to avoid the unnecessary costs involved in the arbitration process.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of conciliation?

It is typically quicker and less expensive than litigation, helping preserve business relationships. However, conciliation may not be legally binding, and its success depends on both parties' willingness to cooperate.

Is conciliation enforceable?

In the case of a matter referred for conciliation, during the pendency of the arbitral proceedings & the law so provides the settlement agreement can be enforced in the same manner as an arbitral award on agreed terms.

What is an example of a conciliation?

Typical examples of the types of issue dealt with in the conciliation process include claims for improvements in pay or conditions of employment, disciplinary cases, grading issues, disputes arising from proposed changes to the way work is done, company restructuring etc.

What is the reason for conciliation?

Conciliation is a way to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. A neutral third party, often a judge, may provide suggestions and develop proposals to help you and the other party come to an agreement. You and the other party may: Seek guidance from the judge.

What are good offices in ADR?

"Good offices" implies a more discreet action, limited to initiating direct negotiations between the parties concerned without active participation, whereas a mediator generally takes a more active part in the discussion and is often expected to suggest some solutions to the problem.

What happens if conciliation fails?

In case of failure of conciliation (FOC) a report is sent to Government (IR Desks in Ministry of Labour). The Ministry of Labour after considering the FOC Report exercises the powers available to it under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act and either refers the dispute for adjudication or refuses to do so.

Who appoints the conciliator?

The first party to appoint a conciliator also proposes a candidate to serve as President of the Commission. The other party then appoints a conciliator and either agrees to the appointment of the conciliator proposed for President or proposes another candidate.

What happens during conciliation?

It provides an opportunity for the parties to listen to one another and to attempt to agree on an outcome that will bring closure to the dispute. Furthermore, because it is a confidential process, parties may feel free to openly explore different ways to resolve their disputes before a skilled conciliator.

What is the role of conciliator in ADR?

Conciliators act as neutral entities between opposing parties and work to ensure they both can settle their dispute without turning to a court trial.

What are the weaknesses of conciliation?

Disadvantages of conciliation
  • Less control: Because the conciliator plays a more active role, parties may feel that they have less control over the final agreement.
  • More formal: Conciliation can feel more like a court process, which may not suit those looking for a flexible, informal approach.

Why is conciliation better than mediation?

The key difference between mediation and conciliation is that conciliators may have professional expertise in the subject matter of the dispute, so they are able to provide advice about the issues and can suggest options for resolution.

What are 2 disadvantages of conciliation?

The disadvantages of conciliation are:
  • It relies on both parties to accept the conciliator's decision.
  • It could be considered as too informal and not taken seriously.
  • The conciliation process isn't legally binding.

What can you do if you are not satisfied with the outcome of conciliation?

A conciliation settlement agreement is final and binding on both parties. If either party does not uphold the terms of the agreement, an application can be made to the Labour Court for the settlement agreement to be made an order of the court.

When can a dispute be referred to conciliation?

It is true, section 62 of the said Act deals with reference to 'Conciliation' by agreement of parties but sec. 89 permits the Court to refer a dispute for conciliation even where parties do not consent, provided the Court thinks that the case is one fit for conciliation.

What are the advantages of conciliation?

Main benefits
  • Conciliation ensures party autonomy. The parties can choose the timing, language, place, structure and content of the conciliation proceedings.
  • Conciliation ensures the expertise of the decision maker. ...
  • Conciliation is time and cost efficient. ...
  • Conciliation ensures confidentiality.

Why is ADR better than court?

ADR processes have a number of advantages. They are flexible, cost-efficient, time-effective, and give the parties more control over the process and the results.

What are the 4 types of ADR?

Types of ADR. The most common types of ADR for civil cases are mediation, settlement conferences, neutral evaluation, and arbitration.