Conflict Avoidance Flashcards
What is a conflict?
A conflict is effectively a clash of interests.
What is your firms policy on valuation adjustment?
Wouldn’t change it
What is conflict avoidance?
Drafting contract of an concise and proactive conflict avoidance risk analysis: understands what could go wrong with conflict and misrepresentation between parties
- Manage all parties expectations
- Negotiate contractual obligations carefully and transparently
- Keeping good records to help resolve conflict before they escalate
What is conflict management?
The use of processes, tools and skills to find ways to manage disagreements and disputes
How can good record keeping avoid conflict?
By keeping copies of emails, minutes of meetings and telephone calls can reduce conflict as it is then clearly documented what is required and is being done.
It also ensures that action points are met
When do disputes arise in your role?
Disputes can arise if you agree a fee and then your client asks you to do extra work on top of this which is time consuming and complex.
What can you do if negotiations break down?
If negotiations breakdown you have the ability to choose from alternative dispute resolution processes. Such as:
* Mediation
* Arbitration
* Independent expert determination
What is a conflict of interest?
A situation where a surveyor’s ability to complete an instruction in an impartial manner is jeopardised
Give examples of ways that conflict can be avoided.
Conflicts can be avoided through:
* Conflict avoidance
* Conflict management
Why is good management important?
Good management is important because it ensures that objectives are met through a transparent process.
It also ensures that a high standard of service is being provided and is part of the rules of conduct for firms and members.
What are the benefits of clear contract documentation?
- Benefits of clear contract documentation provides proof of what was agreed between you and the other party.
- It helps to prevent future misunderstandings or disputes by making the agreement clear from the beginning
What is partnering or alliancing?
Partnering and alliancing are terms to describe a collaborative approach
Why is good project or instruction management important?
Good instruction management is important because it ensures that what is being delivered is correct.
How can good client management reduce conflict?
Good client management can reduce conflicts because you are able to build a good relationship with them based on openness, trust and respect.
What are the three pillars of dispute resolution?
- Negotiation: two parties agree mutually on a contract
- Mediation or conciliation this is used when issues are unable to be resolved by negotiation
- Adjudicative process: last resort (dispute from the court)
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) differs slightly in that it is a procedure to avoid litigation.
Why might you prefer to pursue ADR rather than litigation through the Courts?
- Typically, cheaper and quicker than litigation
- More flexible process than Court proceedings governed by the Civil Procedure Rules
- Can be a confidential process
Tell me about a conflict of interest check you have carried out.
- I had to undertake a conflict for a new instruction, Lisson Grove
- I checked both the client and the property on my firm’s internal system.
- This highlights any potential conflicts on the client, property and surrounding properties.
- There were no potential conflicts and as a result the sheet was signed and saved in the job file.
Can you tell me about any RICS guidance relating to conflicts of interest?
RICS Professional Statement: Conflicts of Interest, 2017
What is the practice of dual agency/double dipping?
Dual agency and double dipping was banned in 2018.
It is where a surveyor has a contractual relationship with both the seller and the buyer.
What is the difference between an arbitrator and an independent expert?
Arbitrator:
- Evidence – only what is provided to them by both parties
- Appeal – limited to right to appeal
- Negligence – not liable for negligence and cannot be sued
- Law – Arbitration Act 1996
- Costs – power to award costs
Independent Expert:
- Evidence – they are able to include their own evidence
- Appeal – there is no right to appeal
- Negligence – can be liable for damages
- Law – no legislation
- Costs – Power over their own costs
- Guidance note – Independent Expert Determination, 2016
What is mediation?
Mediation – a neutral mediator who facilitates discussions between the two parties
- Conducted ‘without prejudice’ (cannot be relied up)