{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/choose-the-conflict-route-before-choosing-the-words",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0760",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Choose the conflict route before choosing the words",
  "summary": "The safest conversation can start with a routing decision.",
  "kind": "concept",
  "body": "Classify the issue before drafting the message. Ask whether the problem is safe and appropriate for informal repair, whether policy requires escalation, whether facts or rights need a formal decision, and whether there is a power or retaliation concern. Choose the route first; then prepare the conversation.",
  "limits": [
    "This is not legal advice. Employment procedures and protected-reporting routes vary by jurisdiction and organisation."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "union-conflict-repair-and-difficult-conversations"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-238B773208C6C05E",
    "RS-2765C97B7512B7C4"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "Acas guidance says workplace problems can often be raised informally first, while unresolved or sufficiently serious issues may require a formal route.",
      "source_id": "RS-238B773208C6C05E",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "The correct route depends on seriousness, policy, jurisdiction and safety; informal resolution is not a universal first step.",
      "locator": "How to raise a problem"
    },
    {
      "claim": "Acas describes mediation as an impartial, voluntary and confidential process aimed at helping the parties reach their own future-focused solution rather than deciding who was right in the past.",
      "source_id": "RS-2765C97B7512B7C4",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Mediation is not suitable or available for every dispute and is not a substitute for required formal procedures.",
      "locator": "What mediation is; how mediation can help"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "You have a workplace problem and are deciding whether to talk directly, involve a manager or use a formal process."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "This is not legal advice. Employment procedures and protected-reporting routes vary by jurisdiction and organisation."
  ],
  "example": "A disagreement over handoff expectations may start informally; an allegation that requires investigation should not be reduced to a 'quick chat.'",
  "check": "You can explain why the chosen route fits the seriousness and policy context.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-238B773208C6C05E",
      "title": "How to raise a problem",
      "url": "https://www.acas.org.uk/how-to-raise-a-problem-at-work"
    },
    {
      "id": "RS-2765C97B7512B7C4",
      "title": "What mediation is and how it can help",
      "url": "https://www.acas.org.uk/mediation"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0760",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0761",
      "type": "use_before",
      "url": "/knowledge/prepare-the-facts-impact-and-desired-change-before-the-meeting"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-0370844062EBEB45",
      "title": "Handle a work conflict as a problem to resolve, not a verdict to win",
      "url": "/collections/handle-a-work-conflict-as-a-problem-to-resolve-not-a-verdict-to-win"
    }
  ]
}