Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

This article reports first results from a 1983 survey of arbitrators conducted with the aid of the American Arbitration Association. The intention was to determine whether there are contrasts between members of the National Academy of Arbitrators (NAA) and nonmembers. in addition to demographic differences between the two groups, attitudes toward selectivity in accepting cases, participation of arbitrators in the hearing, introduction of evidence, and due process rights of grievants were explored.

The authors conclude that in the aggregate, NAA members are generally older, busier, and more experienced than their non-NAA counterparts.

There are, however, broad individual variations within the data, and there is no evidence that certain categories of grievants are more likely to prevail in cases heard before NAA members than nonmembers.