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@article{204588,
        author = {Aditi Prasad and Mourlin k},
        title = {Beyond Conflict Management: A Multidimensional Cluster Analysis of Dispute Resolution Governance in Indian MSMEs},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {3152-3158},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204588},
        abstract = {Dispute resolution (DR) has emerged as a critical governance mechanism for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to maintain organizational stability, stakeholder relationships, and sustainable business performance. While previous studies have examined conflict management and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practices independently, limited research has explored the multidimensional nature of dispute resolution governance within MSMEs. The present study aims to classify MSMEs based on their dispute resolution management practices and identify distinct organizational profiles using cluster analysis.
The study is based on primary data collected from 420 MSME respondents in India. A comprehensive framework consisting of organisational, legal, communication, stakeholder, technological, ethical, leadership, behavioural, and performance-related dimensions of dispute resolution was employed. Cluster analysis was used to group MSMEs according to similarities in their dispute resolution practices, while ANOVA was utilised to examine differences among the identified clusters. The findings revealed four distinct clusters representing varying levels of dispute resolution maturity. Significant differences were observed across dimensions such as dispute types, ADR adoption, MSME parties participation, communication effectiveness, legal compliance, technological integration, ethical governance, leadership involvement, and organizational impact.
The results indicate that technology adoption, organisational culture, ethical integrity, stakeholder engagement, and leadership commitment are among the strongest determinants of effective dispute resolution practices. Furthermore, MSMEs with advanced dispute resolution systems demonstrated higher levels of employee engagement, operational efficiency, financial stability, stakeholder trust, and long-term business sustainability. The study concludes that dispute resolution should be viewed not merely as a conflict management tool but as a strategic governance capability that contributes to organisational competitiveness and resilience.
The unique contribution of this research lies in its multidimensional classification of MSMEs based on dispute resolution governance, integrating organizational, technological, behavioral, ethical, legal, stakeholder, leadership, and performance perspectives into a single analytical framework. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, MSME practitioners, and researchers seeking to strengthen dispute resolution capabilities within the MSME sector.},
        keywords = {MSMEs, Dispute Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Cluster Analysis, Organisational Governance, Stakeholder Management, Conflict Resolution, MSME Performance.},
        month = {June},
        }