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Breaking the deadlock

4 June

Breaking the deadlock

The importance of conflict & dispute resolution as a core procurement and supply chain capability

Conflict and dispute resolution is fast becoming a critical challenge for procurement teams worldwide. Our survey of procurement and supply chain professionals reveals a clear trend: conflicts are taking longer to resolve, costing more, and exposing organisations to growing financial and reputational risk.

Key findings include:

Nearly 50% of respondents say the time to settle serious disagreements is increasing
Over 70% report rising costs in both financial and reputational areas are linked to conflicts and disputes
A strong majority believe involving a neutral third party leads to better outcomes
Top triggers include changing requirements and poor documentation and highlights the need for clearer communication
90% agree conflict and dispute resolution should be a core procurement competency

These insights point to an urgent need for procurement to adopt proactive strategies, invest in dedicated resolution capabilities, and consider digital platforms to manage conflict more effectively.

Download the report to explore the data, uncover key insights, and take practical steps toward strengthening your organisation’s approach to conflict and dispute resolution.

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