Which of the following is a recommended way to avoid litigation?

• A. Ignore Institutional Rules
• B. Maintain Detailed Accurate Records
• C. Act in Bad Faith
• D. Chase Unnecessary Confrontation

Answer: (B)

Maintaining detailed, accurate records is a powerful risk-management practice that helps prevent disputes from turning into lawsuits. When records clearly document what happened, who made decisions, when actions occurred, and what approvals were obtained, there’s less room for miscommunication or misinterpretation. This transparency supports compliance with rules and policies, creates a verifiable trail, and provides evidence that you followed proper procedures and acted with due care. If concerns do arise, solid documentation can facilitate informal resolution or a faster, more defensible formal process by giving you a factual basis for decisions and actions and showing accountability. Good records also help identify where processes broke down and guide corrective actions to prevent future conflicts. In contrast, ignoring institutional rules, acting in bad faith, or inviting confrontation tend to escalate tensions, damage credibility, and increase the likelihood of litigation because they undermine trust and accountability.