J. INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS, Vol. 11(3) 183-196, 2003-2004 VALUABLE DISCONNECTS IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEMS JOEL CUTCHER-GERSHENFELD GLADYS GERSHENFELD WALTER GERSHENFELD IRRA, San Diego ABSTRACT Dispute resolution systems that seek to reduce conflict and promote equitable treatment are an essential and incompletely understood aspect of workplace systems. Disconnects are impediments to achieving the goals of dispute resolution programs and are endemic to such arrangements. Disconnects are valuable in that they provide insight into needed change to meet system goals. After considering lessons from organizational learning systems, this article examines some valuable disconnects that occur in labor-management grievance arbitration, dispute resolution in nonunion settings, and in the practice of collective bargaining itself. Dispute resolution systems are an essential and incompletely understood aspect of workplace systems. Dispute resolution systems serve to resolve conflict, promote equitable treatment, and ensure due process. In these respects, they help meet one of the concerns of a democratic society, providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to have a voice in their economic relationships. Disconnects are impediments that affect the ability of a dispute resolution system to achieve intended results. These disconnects, however, occur in all aspects of dispute resolution systems. As is suggested in Valuable Disconnects in Organizational Learning Systems, we have much to learn from these discon- nects [1]. Too often we focus only on desired outcomes and treat disconnects 183 Ó 2004, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.