When two companies disagree about a contract, what is a main benefit of having a neutral person decide (arbitration) instead of going to court (litigation), especially for their future work together?

When two companies disagree about a contract, arbitration involves a neutral, third-party arbitrator who hears both sides of the dispute and makes a binding decision. This differs from litigation, which is the process of resolving disputes through the court system, involving judges and potentially juries, and resulting in public court records. A main benefit of arbitration over litigation, especially for their future work together, is its ability to preserve the underlying business relationship. Litigation is an inherently adversarial process; it forces companies into a confrontational, public battle with a clear winner and loser, often leading to significant animosity and irreparable damage to trust and reputation. Court proceedings are public, meaning sensitive business information, the details of the dispute, and the nature of the conflict become publicly accessible, which can further strain the relationship and damage public perception of both companies. In contrast, arbitration is typically a private and confidential process. The proceedings are not public, protecting both companies' reputations and proprietary information. This privacy allows parties to focus on resolving the dispute without the added pressure of public scrutiny, which can foster a less confrontational atmosphere. Furthermore, parties in arbitration often have more control over the process, including the ability to select an arbitrator with specific industry expertise. This means the decision-maker deeply understands the commercial context and technical nuances of the dispute, potentially leading to a more commercially practical and less disruptive resolution than a court judgment from a generalist judge. A commercially sound resolution reached privately, without the public accusations and protracted nature of a court battle, minimizes the long-term resentment and allows companies to potentially mend their relationship and continue future collaborations with less strain.