What term describes any type of procedure or combination of procedures voluntarily used to resolve issues in controversy?

The term that describes any type of procedure or combination of procedures voluntarily used to resolve issues in controversy is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR encompasses various processes designed to help parties reach a resolution without resorting to litigation, including mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law. The focus is on providing a more flexible, private, and often less adversarial approach to resolving conflicts compared to traditional court proceedings.

This term is particularly important in a contracting context, as it allows the parties involved to maintain control over the dispute resolution process, tailor solutions to their specific needs, and often reach quicker and more amicable resolutions than they might achieve through litigation.

In contrast, the dispute resolution process is a broader term that can include both ADR methods and traditional litigation. Conflict management refers more generally to the techniques and strategies employed to handle conflict, without necessarily specifying the voluntary nature or formal procedures involved. Negotiation techniques are specific strategies and methods used during discussions to reach an agreement but are not synonymous with a structured process like ADR. Understanding the nuances of these terms helps in grasping the overall landscape of conflict resolution in contracting situations.