Analysis of effectiveness of dispute resolution council and expenses of the disputants in Mardan-Pakistan

Purpose The study was conducted with the primary objective of measuring the association between the disputant’s expenses and Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) effectiveness in the study area. Design/methodology/approach The current study followed a quantitative research design. To obtain the study objectives, data was collected from a sample of 387 respondents in the selected three Tehsils of District Mardan, Pakistan. The respondents were selected through multistage stratified random sampling. At bivariate and multivariate level analyses, chi-square test and Gamma (γ) test statistics were used to test the relationship between variables (expenses of the disputants and effectiveness of DRC). Gender, monthly income and literacy status were used as control variables at the multivariate level. Findings At the bivariate level analysis, the study found a significant association (P = 0.05) of office of DRC is easily accessible, DRC as a cost-effective justice system as compared to other, availability of a vehicle to reach the DRC office and affordable amount for preparation of documents and filing the case with the effectiveness of DRC. At the multivariate level, the study portrayed that the expenses of the disputants enhance the effectiveness of DRC in males to a greater extent than females. However, the costs of the disputants were a universal feature to explain the efficacy of DRC irrespective of monthly income and literacy status. Research limitations/implications The present study was limited to cost and expenditure of the disputants which was associated with effectiveness of DRC with collaboration of gender, monthly income and literacy status. Moreover, a representation of “387” was only selected but it was enough for validity and reliability of the research dynamics. Practical implications The current study is highly significant for the policymakers for devising alternate policies for disputes resolution as the study focused on the cost and expenditure and recommend suggestions that how to improve the effectiveness of DRC in easy and timely disposal of disputes. Social implications The main objectives of the study is to examine the association between cost and expenditure of the disputant and effectiveness of DRC. In addition, to measure the influence of gender, income and literacy status on the association between the association between cost and expenditure of the disputant and effectiveness of DRC. Originality/value The current study is highly significant for policymakers to devise alternate policies for dispute resolution. The study focused on the cost and expenditure and recommended suggestions for improving the effectiveness of DRC in easy and timely disposal of disputes.