The nominal group technique is a structured method for gathering and prioritizing ideas or solutions to a problem. It is a useful tool for situations where it is important to gather input from a group of people and reach a consensus on a course of action.
The nominal group technique consists of several steps:
Identify the problem or issue that needs to be addressed.
Gather a group of people with knowledge or experience related to the issue. It is important to ensure that the group is diverse and represents a range of viewpoints.
Have each group member write down their ideas or solutions to the problem on a piece of paper.
Have each member read their ideas and place them on a board or flip chart.
Have the group discuss and evaluate each idea. This can involve asking questions or making suggestions for improvement.
Have each group member independently rank the ideas in order of priority.
Have the group discuss and reach a consensus on the final ranking of the ideas.
Here are two examples of how the nominal group technique could be used:
Example 1: A professional marketing team is trying to develop ideas for a new advertising campaign. The team gathers and follows the steps of the nominal group technique to generate and prioritize ideas for the campaign.
Example 2: A group of community leaders is trying to identify the most pressing issues facing their community and prioritize them for action. The group follows the steps of the nominal group technique to generate and prioritize ideas for addressing the problems.
Compare the nominal group technique to the Delphi technique
The nominal group technique and the Delphi technique are structured methods for gathering and evaluating ideas or solutions to a problem. However, there are some key differences between the two approaches:
Participants: The nominal group technique involves a face-to-face meeting with a group of individuals, whereas the Delphi technique involves gathering input from a panel of experts through a questionnaire.
Consensus: The nominal group technique involves discussion and consensus building among the group, whereas the Delphi technique involves gathering expert input and providing feedback until there is a sufficient level of consensus.
Timeframe: The nominal group technique is typically completed in a single meeting, whereas the Delphi technique involves multiple rounds of questioning and feedback, which can take place over a longer period of time.
Anonymity: In the Delphi technique, the experts' responses are typically anonymous, whereas, in the nominal group technique, the responses are given by individuals who are present at the meeting.
Expertise: The Delphi technique is typically used when there is a need to gather input from experts in a particular field, whereas the nominal group technique can be used with any group of individuals.
The nominal group technique helps gather and prioritize ideas in a group setting. In contrast, the Delphi technique is more suited for gathering and analyzing expert opinions over a longer period of time. Both techniques can be helpful depending on the specific needs and goals of the group or organization.
Keywords: nominal group technique, ideas, problem-solving, consensus, ranking, evaluation