First, you should all know that I generally hate group decision-making. Ask for permission from the boss to do something, and the next thing you know, (s)he wants to go higher and form a meeting with people to discuss the matter, and everyone hedges their wordings to not look bad in the end, and it takes weeks to come to a simple decision. Red-tape makes me want to die. Thankfully, you can flex some authoritative control in the military and make decisions until your boss reins you in.
As you may have guessed, this post revolves around group decision-making, specifically, group decision-making methods and techniques. The research direction started with the Delphi Technique/Method. Does it have to do with an oracle? Sadly, no. The first thing I found out is that Delphi utilizes a panel of experts, not a good start for me. I find that "experts" really like to talk to show off their expertise. I then read a word that made me happy, "qualitative." It seems this method utilizes the qualitative method! Rounds of questionnaires allow for members of the group of experts to give their opinion. Sounds nice, less talking and grandstanding. After each questionnaire is completed, a summary report is generated based on everyone's responses to the questionnaire, which is then circulated for approval or disapproval by the various members. (CFI, N.D.) The steps of the method are identify the issue and objective, choose the members of the expert group and facilitators, and this is followed by three rounds of questionnaires.
The first method I independently located was the "Nominal group technique." This is used for group brainstorming, which is not decision making so has my vote. (ASQ Quality Press, N.D.) The list of when to utilize this technique includes the following circumstances:
Some group members are much more vocal than others
Some group members think better in silence
There is concern about some members not participating
The group does not easily generate quantities of ideas
Some or all group members are new to the team
The issue is controversial or there is heated conflict
The steps in this technique start with the same step as Delphi, identify the issue or objective. The next step has every member silently work the problem over and write down their ideas. When that step is over, the facilitator is provided an idea from each member. This is not a discussion opportunity. After each member has had an opportunity to provide an idea, discussion begins with each item. This is a time for the idea generator to modify the idea based on feedback or remove the idea altogether. The final step is to prioritize the ideas and possibly reduce their quantity.
Both of these methods start with the same step but branch off into very different directions. I would see utilizing the first method when bringing subject matter experts together to discuss a problem or generate policies for the coming year. The second method could be used for the everyday work center when you are trying to figure out a solution and you need people to throw ideas at a wall and see what sticks. Both have their place, and both can be very beneficial.
References
ASQ Quality Press. (N.D.). WHAT IS NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE? Retrieved from ASQ.org: https://asq.org/quality-resources/nominal-group-technique
CFI. (N.D.). Delphi Method. Retrieved from CFI: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/delphi-method/
As you may have guessed, this post revolves around group decision-making, specifically, group decision-making methods and techniques. The research direction started with the Delphi Technique/Method. Does it have to do with an oracle? Sadly, no. The first thing I found out is that Delphi utilizes a panel of experts, not a good start for me. I find that "experts" really like to talk to show off their expertise. I then read a word that made me happy, "qualitative." It seems this method utilizes the qualitative method! Rounds of questionnaires allow for members of the group of experts to give their opinion. Sounds nice, less talking and grandstanding. After each questionnaire is completed, a summary report is generated based on everyone's responses to the questionnaire, which is then circulated for approval or disapproval by the various members. (CFI, N.D.) The steps of the method are identify the issue and objective, choose the members of the expert group and facilitators, and this is followed by three rounds of questionnaires.
The first method I independently located was the "Nominal group technique." This is used for group brainstorming, which is not decision making so has my vote. (ASQ Quality Press, N.D.) The list of when to utilize this technique includes the following circumstances:
Some group members are much more vocal than others
Some group members think better in silence
There is concern about some members not participating
The group does not easily generate quantities of ideas
Some or all group members are new to the team
The issue is controversial or there is heated conflict
The steps in this technique start with the same step as Delphi, identify the issue or objective. The next step has every member silently work the problem over and write down their ideas. When that step is over, the facilitator is provided an idea from each member. This is not a discussion opportunity. After each member has had an opportunity to provide an idea, discussion begins with each item. This is a time for the idea generator to modify the idea based on feedback or remove the idea altogether. The final step is to prioritize the ideas and possibly reduce their quantity.
Both of these methods start with the same step but branch off into very different directions. I would see utilizing the first method when bringing subject matter experts together to discuss a problem or generate policies for the coming year. The second method could be used for the everyday work center when you are trying to figure out a solution and you need people to throw ideas at a wall and see what sticks. Both have their place, and both can be very beneficial.
References
ASQ Quality Press. (N.D.). WHAT IS NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE? Retrieved from ASQ.org: https://asq.org/quality-resources/nominal-group-technique
CFI. (N.D.). Delphi Method. Retrieved from CFI: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/delphi-method/
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