What method may the commission use to resolve a complaint informally?

Mediation is a preferred method for resolving complaints informally because it involves a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between the disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. In the context of a commission looking to resolve complaints, mediation allows for a more flexible and collaborative approach, enabling the parties to express their concerns openly and work towards a resolution without the formality and adversarial nature of litigation.

In mediation, the emphasis is on communication and understanding, rather than on deciding a winner or loser, which enables the involved parties to maintain a more amicable relationship post-resolution. This method can be more efficient and less costly compared to other more formal processes, making it a practical choice for the commission when dealing with complaints that benefit from informal resolution efforts.

The other methods listed, while valid alternatives in dispute resolution, do not fit the context of informal resolution as well as mediation does. For instance, arbitration and litigation tend to be more formalized processes that often lead to binding decisions made by third parties, while negotiation typically implies direct discussions between the parties involved without a mediator and may not always lead to resolution.