Contrasting the Delphi Method & Nominal Group Technique for Group Decision-Making


Think Tanks and the Delphi Method

As I've written in prior posts, think tanks are organizations tasked with generating and expanding ideas without restriction (Aly, 2019).  To accomplish these objectives, they can employ several structured and unstructured group decision-making techniques (Aly, 2019; Jackson, 2022).  A short-list of these methods and techniques include:  (Aly, 2019; Gordon, 1994; Jackson, 2022; Michael & Libarkin, 2016):


·       Delphi method

·       Backward planning technique

·       Nominal group technique (NGT)

·       Brainstorming

·       Stepladder technique

·       Analytical hierarchical

·       Structure design process

·       Focus group discussions

 

The Delphi method is one of the most famous group decision-making techniques (Gordon, 1994).  The method’s name references the Greek Oracle at Delphi, known for foretelling the future (Gordon, 1994).  Developed by Santa Monica, California’s RAND Corporation, in the early 1960s, the Delphi method is a form of controlled debate designed to elicit an anonymous evolving group consensus.  The consensus evolves through multiple rounds of questionnaires and discussions (Gordon, 1994).  These rounds ultimately lead to a group consensus surrounding the specified topic (Gordon, 1994).

Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is an effective method for group decision-making (CDC, 2018; Jackson, 2022).  NGT is a four-step process that begins with generating and prioritizing a list of issues established by an anonymous group (CDC, 2018; Jackson, 2022).  The moderator or facilitator of this process then leads this group through the following three steps; Recording ideas, discussing ideas, and voting on ideas (CDC, 2018).  Because of the prioritization step contained within this method, this method is best to tackle

Similarities of the Delphi Method and the Nominal Group Technique

There are several similarities between the two methods (Jackson, 2022).  They are both structured methods of gaining consensus from an esteemed group of experts on a defined subject.  Both plans also go through several rounds or a stage-gate process that traditionally extends the process's timeline.  Because of the multi-round approaches both, it allows the think tank to tackle complex problems requiring sophisticated answers (Jackson, 2022).

Differences between the Delphi Method and the Nominal Group Technique

The Delphi technique begins with questionnaires where participants respond to an anonymous questionnaire (Gordon, 1994).  Comparatively, the NGT method starts with an open assignment requiring participants to write their opinions (Jackson, 2022).  The most significant difference is that the NGT method requires voting on prioritization and the best ideas. In contrast, the Delphi method organically derives solutions through a continual feedback loop amongst the group (Gordon, 1994).

Want more information and detail on both of these techniques?  Be sure to check out the references below!

References

 

Aly, D. O. (2019, 7/6/2019). Think tank methods. Think and Knowledge Tank. https://thinkandknowledgetank.home.blog/2019/07/06/think-tank-methods-3/


CDC. (2018). Gaining consensus among stakeholders through the nominal group technique. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/evaluation/pdf/brief7.pdf


Gordon, T. J. (1994). The Delphi method. Futures research methodology, 2(3), 1-30. https://eumed-agpol.iamm.fr/private/priv_docum/wp5_files/5-delphi.pdf


Jackson, S. (2022, 7/2022). 5 Group decision-making techniques. Retrieved 9/10/2022 from http://www.organizationalpsychologydegrees.com/lists/5-group-decision-making-techniques/

Michael, N. A., & Libarkin, J. C. (2016). Understanding by Design: Mentored implementation of backward design methodology at the university level. Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching, 42(2), 44-52. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1126353.pdf

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