What does the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 allow the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to do?

The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 empowers the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to act as an adviser in resolving disputes for federal agencies. This role is crucial as it facilitates the resolution of conflicts through alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and conciliation. These processes aim to improve communication between parties, foster understanding, and lead to mutually agreeable outcomes without the need for lengthy and adversarial processes.

The focus of the act is on collaborative approaches to conflict resolution rather than adversarial methods, which is why the role of an adviser is at the forefront. By taking on this advisory role, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service enhances the effectiveness of dispute resolution within federal entities and improves overall operational efficiency.