Research exploring informal conflict resolution practices used in workplaces, and the views and experiences of managers and practitioners.
Documents
Defining and enabling informal workplace conflict resolution
Details
This research report explores informal resolution practices used in workplaces to resolve 'individual' conflict – meaning problems, issues, or disputes between individuals and their employer or manager, or between individual colleagues.
The research aimed to:
- define informal resolution, examine the processes that underpin it, and explore the views and experiences of managers and practitioners involved
- identify how Acas can support these actors to make effective choices in using informal resolution
The research was based on 33 in-depth interviews with managers and practitioners experienced in informal resolution – including HR professionals, mediators, trade union representatives and Acas practitioners. It also included a rapid review of Acas evidence, as well as focus groups with a subset of participants.
This report was prepared for Acas by The Social Agency:
- Darren Bhattachary, CEO
- Tom Curran, Associate Director
- Becca Altman, Senior Research Executive
- Sheena Thakrar, Senior Project Manager
The views in this research paper are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect those of Acas or the Acas Council. Any errors or inaccuracies are the responsibility of the authors alone. This paper is not intended as guidance from Acas about how to manage disputes in the workplace.