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Guide

Conflict Management

The Conflict Management or Dispute Management System (DMS) provides the framework for the structured and legally compliant handling of dispute resolution procedures within an organization. It defines internal workflows, responsibilities and documentation requirements to ensure consistent and transparent processes.

The purpose of the DMS is to enable a traceable and efficient approach to managing conflicts, whether the case involves a state-approved conciliation procedure, a conciliation process, or mediation.

Principles of Conflict Management

The Conflict Management or Dispute Management System (DMS) defines the overall structure for all procedures. It specifies which steps are required, how information is processed and which documentation standards apply. This ensures a transparent, consistent and verifiable process across the organization.

1

Analysis

Identifying and evaluating existing or past conflicts. Reviewing the effectiveness and legal compliance of procedures already in place.
2

Concept Development

Developing an organization-specific DMS. Defining responsibilities, workflows and documentation standards.
3

Implementation

Integrating the DMS into existing structures. Training relevant departments and embedding the system into internal processes.
4

Training

Qualifying managers and employees. Introducing the foundations of conflict resolution, mediation and documentation.

5

Advisory & Establishment

Ongoing support during the introduction and consolidation of the DMS. Building internal competencies in conflict management.

6

Monitoring & Evaluation

Regular review of the system. Adjustments based on legal developments, organizational changes and emerging conflict patterns.

Key Features

A Conflict Management or Dispute Management System (DMS) ensures that dispute-related procedures run in a transparent, legally compliant and consistent manner across an organization. It provides the structural basis for handling conflicts and sets binding standards for procedures, documentation and responsibilities.

Essential Features:

  • Structure: Uniform workflows and clearly defined procedural responsibilities
  • Transparency: Documented processes and traceable decision-making
  • Legal Certainty: Application of statutory requirements and internal guidelines (eg, rules of procedure, codes of conduct)
  • Consistency: Regular review and adaptation to organizational and legal developments
  • Confidentiality: Protection of sensitive information and compliance with data-protection requirements
  • Sustainability: Promotion of a constructive conflict culture and long-term procedural quality

Recommended Articles on Conflict Management

Additional literature, practical examples and expert commentaries on the development and implementation of Conflict Management or Dispute Management Systems can be found in the related publications.

Arbitration ruling on stadium renovation: Legal certainty for Chemnitz

The long-standing legal dispute over the renovation of the stadium on Gellertstraße in Chemnitz was ended by a partial arbitration…

Debt collection: Conciliation proceedings as an alternative to legal action

The conciliation procedure before a state-approved dispute resolution body offers companies a fast, cost-effective, and relationship-friendly alternative to litigation for…

Pixels instead of presence: B2B conflict resolution via video conference

Digital dispute resolution via video conferencing enables companies to resolve conflicts efficiently, regardless of location, and in a legally secure…

When the supply chain stalls: How companies can strategically resolve conflicts with suppliers

When faced with supply chain problems, companies should respond not with pressure, but with strategic analysis, professional negotiation, and preventive…

From suggestion box to cultural shaper: The new role of the HR department in strategic conflict prevention

Modern HR departments are evolving from reactive crisis managers to strategic culture builders by working with external partners such as…

Conflicts as capital destroyers: Why internal conflicts cost companies more than expected

Internal conflicts are costly, often invisible obstacles for companies—those who resolve them strategically and professionally boost productivity and save costs.…

Case Study: How a conciliation procedure saved a company six-figure costs and why smart decision-makers calculate differently today

Compared to court proceedings, structured arbitration can not only save companies six-figure costs and years of delays, but also protect…

Mediation in the complaints procedure: Rethinking conflict management

The complaints procedure under the Works Constitution Act offers companies the opportunity to transform conflicts quickly, confidentially and cost-effectively into…

Mediation as a key factor in labor dispute management at Air Canada

When ten thousand flight attendants overwhelmingly reject the collective agreement proposed by their airline, there is a threat of escalation…