What does ADR typically encourage between the parties involved?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is designed to facilitate a more collaborative approach to resolving conflicts compared to traditional litigation methods. The primary goal of ADR is to encourage parties to work together to reach a mutual agreement and resolution that is satisfactory to all involved. This is achieved through various methods of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, which focus on dialogue and compromise rather than adversarial proceedings.

In this context, parties engaged in ADR typically benefit from a less formal setting and the opportunity to express their perspectives, leading to more creative solutions that may not be available through formal judicial processes. By fostering communication and understanding, ADR promotes the values of cooperation and joint problem-solving.

The other options present methods that are counter to the spirit of ADR. Increased litigation is the opposite of what ADR aims for, as it emphasizes formal court proceedings rather than collaborative efforts. Formal trials involve a structured legal process where a judge or jury makes binding decisions, which is not characteristic of ADR. Lastly, one-sided decisions are antithetical to the principles of ADR, as they do not involve mutual agreement and fail to incorporate the interests and needs of all parties. Thus, mutual agreement and resolution truly encapsulate the essence of what ADR seeks to achieve.