Embedding Rights Compatible Grievance Processes for External Stakeholders Within Business Culture

This paper summarizes key considerations for companies when creating an Integrated Conflict Management (ICM) system to manage disputes with external stakeholders. The paper discusses the the widespread adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches by companies in the management of relationships with internal (employee) stakeholders, as well as the increasingly widespread view that ADR is critical to a company's overall risk management strategy and the promotion of cultural change within an organization. The paper was prepared for an expert roundtable on corporate culture and conflict management in the mining industry. The meeting was convened by the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School.