When a business dispute cannot be settled with a phone call, leaders face a choice about where and how to resolve it. Each route has different costs, timelines and risks.

The right choice depends on what you need most: speed, privacy, a binding result or the chance to preserve the relationship.

Mediation: Control and Speed

In mediation, a neutral third party helps both sides reach their own agreement. It is usually faster and cheaper than other routes, it is confidential, and you keep control of the outcome. It works best when both sides want to find a deal.

Arbitration: Privacy and Finality

Arbitration is a private process in which an arbitrator decides the dispute. It can be quicker than court and lets you choose a decision maker with the right expertise, but appeal rights are very limited and costs can be significant.

Court: Authority and Precedent

Litigation offers formal procedures, the power to compel evidence and, where needed, urgent relief such as an injunction. It is often slower and more public, so it is best reserved for disputes where those strengths matter.