ADR AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIVENESS - CHALLENGES FOR PUBLIC-ADMINISTRATORS

What are the challenges facing the implementation of alternative dispu te resolution (ADR) reforms? To find the answer, Nancy J. Manring exam ined the experience of the U.S. Forest Service since passage of the 19 90 Alternative Dispute Resolution and Negotiated Rulemaking Acts. She finds that the use of ADR involves unresolved issues associated with a gency autonomy and administrative responsiveness. Manring discusses ho w Forest Service managers try to reconcile these competing demands. Sh e concludes that coming to terms with the resulting tensions involves organizational changes to support and facilitate the regularized use o f ADR.