Designing and implementing conflict resolution systems is a very proactive approach to reducing the cost of conflict. The purpose of a CR system is to resolve conflict quickly and efficiently, at the lowest possible level on the conflict pyramid. It includes expectations for conduct in the workplace, training to build the capacity of staff, employees, and even board members to resolve conflict early, and formal proceedures for seeking resolution when one-to-one resolution is not preferred, safe, or available.

Given the high cost of unresolved conflict, the more your workplace can include a recognition of the inevitability of conflict and clear expectations and proceedures for non-adversarial resolution, the greater the savings you will experience.