Conciliation involves a third party, known as a conciliator, who acts impartially to help resolve the dispute. The conciliator can influence the process by suggesting possible resolutions. Like mediation, conciliation is an informal process, and decisions reached are not legally binding.

Strengths of conciliation

The focus on cooperation means that parties may have less animosity towards each other after reaching a compromise. When parties come to their own agreement, they are more likely to uphold their part in it.

Weaknesses of conciliation

Conciliation is not a legally binding method, and as such it relies on the parties to actually follow through with their part in the agreement. Although, this can be mitigated if the parties follow conciliation by signing a legally-binding agreement.

See also:

Mediation

Arbitration

Judicial determination