Nominal group technique

Definition

Nominal group technique is a structured method for group brainstorming that encourages contributions from all members and helps to prioritize ideas. This technique aims to minimize the dominance of vocal participants and prevent groupthink by ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to express their thoughts. By combining individual idea generation with group discussion and voting, it creates a balanced and democratic decision-making process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In nominal group technique, each participant writes down their ideas independently before sharing them with the group, which reduces pressure and encourages creativity.
2. After sharing ideas, the group discusses each one to clarify and evaluate them, allowing for a more thorough examination of the options available.
3. Voting is conducted anonymously to prioritize the ideas generated, which helps ensure that every member's opinion carries weight in the decision-making process.
4. This technique is particularly useful in situations where there may be power imbalances among group members, as it allows quieter individuals to voice their opinions without fear of interruption.
5. Nominal group technique can lead to more effective outcomes by fostering collaboration and inclusivity, thereby reducing the likelihood of poor decisions stemming from groupthink.

Review Questions

• How does nominal group technique facilitate effective decision-making in groups while minimizing the risk of groupthink?
  • Nominal group technique promotes effective decision-making by structuring the brainstorming process in a way that ensures all members can contribute equally. By allowing individuals to generate ideas independently before discussing them as a group, it reduces the influence of dominant voices and encourages quieter members to share their thoughts. This structured approach helps prevent groupthink by fostering diverse perspectives and creating an environment where all opinions are valued.
• What are the key steps involved in the nominal group technique, and how do they enhance the quality of group decisions?
  • The key steps in nominal group technique include idea generation, discussion, and prioritization. Initially, participants write down their ideas independently, which leads to a wide array of suggestions. After sharing these ideas in a round-robin format, the group engages in discussions to clarify and evaluate each suggestion. Finally, anonymous voting allows members to prioritize their choices based on merit rather than persuasion, resulting in well-informed decisions that reflect the collective input of the group.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of nominal group technique in addressing power dynamics within decision-making groups.
  • Nominal group technique effectively addresses power dynamics by leveling the playing field among participants. In traditional discussions, more assertive individuals can overshadow those who are less vocal. However, this technique's structured format allows everyone to contribute ideas independently before any debate occurs. As a result, it empowers all members to engage meaningfully without fear of interruption or judgment, leading to more equitable outcomes and enhanced group cohesion.

Related terms

brainstorming: A creative problem-solving technique where group members generate ideas spontaneously without immediate criticism or evaluation.

groupthink: A psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony in a group results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making.

Delphi method: A structured communication technique that gathers input from a panel of experts through multiple rounds of anonymous surveys to reach a consensus.