In most cases, problems have been resolved informally.

Most cases were resolved informally, either by an agreement to reduce the machines' output or by fixing faults responsible for the noise.

Social conflicts are generally resolved informally; students can approach the Honor Board with a conflict only in extreme cases.

"The vast majority of grievances get resolved informally at the school level," said John Beckman, an N.Y.U. spokesman.

Having formal grievance procedures in place allows you to give reasonable consideration to any issues which can't be resolved informally and to deal with them fairly and consistently.

Most disputes are resolved quickly and informally, she said.

Of the 313,102 claims resolved in New York State in 2004, 55 percent involved a hearing at which evidence was provided, and the rest were resolved informally.

Cases that cannot be resolved informally are turned over to a Labor Department program that investigates reservists' grievances.

In addition, there were many more complaints of unequal treatment based on race that were resolved informally by the authorities without without a written complaint.

Most complaints sent in on line may be resolved informally over the phone with your employer.