Conflict is natural, normal and largely, unavoidable. In common interest communities, the sharing of common areas and community restrictions can lead to conflict. When handled well, these conflicts can result in better communities. The goal of this manual is to provide processes, ideas and resources that can help to make these conflicts productive, or at least keep them from becoming destructive.

The processes outlined in this manual can be used by residents, managers, board members, developers and anyone else involved in disputes in common interest communities. In addition, some communities may have conflict resolution processes outlined in their by-laws.

The key to effective conflict resolution is to address conflicts in their earliest stages. Below is a continuum of effective conflict resolution processes that will be outlined in the manual.

      • Conflict Prevention               • Face-to-Face Discussion (Positive Confrontation)           • Negotiation            
      • Conciliation                         • Mediation                                                                    • Arbitration
      • Adjudication

Readers engaging in a conflict resolution process could begin with the less formal processes. Often, conflicts can be more easily resolved at the lowest level, when fewer people are involved. While it is easy to move from informal processes to formal ones, it can be more difficult to go from a formal process to an informal one.